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FRANCES J.
Pictued as: the Gulf Dawn (Dawn Services) Photo by: Birk Thomas

Built in 1966, by Main Iron Works Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana (hull #162) as the Gulf Squire for Gulf Mississippi Marine Incorporated of Houston, Texas.

In 1976, the tug was acquired by Defelice Marine Towing Company of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Demarco XI.

In 1980, the Defelice Marine Towing Company was acquired by Gulf Fleet Marine Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1985, Zapata Marine Service, Gulf Fleet Marine Incorporated, and Jackson Marine Services merged to form Zapata Gulf Marine Service Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

On January 15th, of 1992 the Zapata Gulf Marine Company merged with Tidewater Marine Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1994, the tug was acquired by Island Line Limited of Tamuning, Guam. Where she was renamed as the Frances J.

In 2008, she was acquired by Dawn Offshore Services Incorporated of Gretna, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Gulf Dawn.

Rebuilt in 1997, the tug is powered by two, Tier II compliant, Cummins QSK38M diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears. Turning two, 82(in), fixed pitch propellers. She is a twin screw tug, rated at 2,200 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by two, 40kW generator sets. Driven by two, GM 4-71 diesel engines. The tug's capacities are 41,000 gallons of fuel, 440 gallons of lube oil, and 8,000 gallons of potable water.

The towing equipment consists of an INTERcon, double drum, towing winch.
(Captain Eric Takakjian)


  • Vessel Name: FRANCES J.
  • USCG Doc. No.: 505193
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 6709725
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WCY2448
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 162
  • Ship Builder: MAIN IRON WORKS INC
  • Year Built: 1966
  • Length: 86
  • Hailing Port: NEW ORLEANS, LA.
  • Hull Depth: 9.1
  • Hull Breadth: 27
  • Gross Tonnage: 100
  • Net Tonnage: 147
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Gulf Squire, Demarco XI, FRANCES J.
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Gulf Mississippi Marine Inc., Defelice Marine Towing Co., Zapata Gulf Marine Inc., Tidewater Marine, Island Line LTD., GULF DAWN LLC