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FRANKLIN
Pictured as: the John T. McMahan (Higman Barge Lines) Photo by: Captain Ted

Built in 2008, by Hope Services Incorporated of DuLac, Louisiana (hull #163) as the John T. McMahan for Higman Barge Lines Incorporated of Houston, Texas.

In 2018, Higman Barge Lines Incorporated was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where the was renamed as the Franklin.

Powered by two, Cummins KTA38-M1 diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears, at a ratio of 6.18:1. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 2,000 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: FRANKLIN
  • USCG Doc. No.: 1210447
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDE4349
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 163
  • Ship Builder: Hope Services, Inc.
  • Year Built: 2008
  • Length: 72
  • Hailing Port: HOUSTON, TX.
  • Hull Depth: 10
  • Hull Breadth: 30
  • Gross Tonnage: 144
  • Net Tonnage: 115
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    JOHN T. McMAHAN
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    HOPE SERVICES INC, MARYLAND MARINE INC, HIGMAN BARGE LINES INC