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CHIEF
Photo by: Kyle Stubbs

Built in 1999, by Nichols Brothers Boatbuilders of Freeland, Washington (hull #132) as the Chief for Crowley Marine Services Incorporated of San Francisco, California.

Designed by Naval Architects, Guido Perla and Associates of Seattle, Washington. She was the sixth Harbor class tractor tug designed, and constructed for Crowley Marine Services Incorporated.

The Harbor class tugs were designed specifically, for ship assist, and escort duties. She features a hydrofoil shaped skeg, that provides for greatly improved steering, control, and seakeeping. It allows the vessel to run at high speeds in the skeg-first direction. In addition the hydrodynamics of the hull result in increased tons of steering, and braking force. Which are available to assist, or control a vessel at higher speeds.

Powered by two, Caterpillar 3516-B diesel engines. With two, Voith-Schneider cycloidal drives. The tug is rated at 4,800 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: CHIEF
  • USCG Doc. No.: 1063755
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 9188582
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WCZ2047
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 132
  • Ship Builder: NICHOLS BROS BOAT BLDRS
  • Year Built: 1999
  • Length: 96.7
  • Hailing Port: SAN FRANCISCO, CA.
  • Hull Depth: 15
  • Hull Breadth: 36
  • Gross Tonnage: 275
  • Net Tonnage: 187
  • Owner:
    VESSEL MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC
    9487 REGENCY SQUARE BOULEVARD
    JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225-8126
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    VESSEL MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC