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NENE
Photo by: Captain Rick Wilson

Built in 1984, by Marco Shipbuilding Incorporated of Seattle, Washington (hull #459) as the Nene for the Uaukewai Diving and Salvage Company of Honolulu, Hawaii.

In 1999, the tug was acquired by the Smith Maritime Company Honolulu, Hawaii. Which was a part of the Hawaiian Interisland Towing Company of Honolulu, Hawaii. Where she retained her name.

In 2007, the Smith Maritime Company was acquired by the K-Sea Transportation Partnership Incorporated of East Brunswick, New Jersey. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2011, the K-Sea Transportation Partnership Incorporated was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where she retained her name.

In 2022, she was sold, redocumented as "unclassified", and renamed as the Opelu.

She was a twin screw workboat, rated at 800 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: NENE
  • USCG Doc. No.: 06707880
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WDD9322
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 459
  • Ship Builder: MARCO SHIPBUILDING
  • Year Built: 1984
  • Length: 58.9
  • Hailing Port: HONOLULU, HI.
  • Hull Depth: 8.5
  • Hull Breadth: 21
  • Gross Tonnage: 75
  • Net Tonnage: 51
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    NENE
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    UAUKEWAI DIVING SALVAGE FISH INC, K-SEA HAWAII INC, KIRBY OFFSHORE MARINE HAWAII LLC