Home Search Links About Us Updates Login
HARVEY CHALLENGER
Pictured as: the Edward F. Esch (Marine Express) Photo by: Marine Express Inc.

Built in 1981, by James K. Walker Marine of Moss Point, Mississippi (hull #242) as the Harvey Challenger for Harvey Gulf International Marine Company of New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 2001, the tug was acquired by the Crosby Marine Transportation Company of Golden Meadow, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Crosby Challenger.

In 2013, she was acquired by Marine Express Incorporated of Walnut Creek, California. Where the tug was renamed as the Edward F. Esch.

Powered by two, GM 12V-149 diesel engines. Turning two, fixed pitch propellers, mounted in kort nozzles. For a rated, 3,000 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by two, 40kW generator sets. Driven by two, GM 4-71 diesel engines. The tug's capacities are 33,351 gallons of fuel oil, and 4,416 gallons of potable water.

The tug's towing gear consists of a Smatco 48K DADT 75 anchor towing winch, outfitted with 1,400(ft) of 1 1.5(in) towing wire.


  • Vessel Name: HARVEY CHALLENGER
  • USCG Doc. No.: 639817
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 8922993
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WDA3844
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 242
  • Ship Builder: James K. Walker Marine
  • Year Built: 1981
  • Length: 84.7
  • Hailing Port: SAN FRANCISCO, CA.
  • Hull Depth: 10.8
  • Hull Breadth: 26
  • Gross Tonnage: 97
  • Net Tonnage: 66
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    HARVEY CHALLENGER, CROSBY CHALLENGER
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Harvey Gulf International Marine Co., CROSBY MARINE TRANSPORTATION LLC, MARINE EXPRESS INC,