E.N. Bisso & Son, a tug company that provides ship-assist services for docking and undocking of ocean-going-vessels, is now operating a new tractor tug bought specifically for Port of Palm Beach vessels.
The VIGLIANT arrived at the Port on Friday, February 10th.
At 2,460 HorsePower, with dimensions 72 Feet Long x 28 Feet Beam and 12 Feet Draft, the VIGILANT is a small, but powerful and agile tractor tug that will be used to guide vessels through the Lake Worth Inlet and for regular docking and undocking maneuvers within the port.
"The distinct advantage that this tractor tug provides versus a traditional twin-screw tug is that propulsion is delivered by two Rolls Royce “Z-Drive” units that rotate 360 degrees and are thus able to deliver instant and effective thrust to propel the tug in any direction," said E.N. Bisso & Son Executive Vice President Colin Macpherson.
Tractor tugs can push and pull, whether forwards, backwards or sideways, with exact precision and speed. This provides added flexibility to the manner in which ships can be moved within port, especially in tight confines.
"The ability to move sideways should be particularly beneficial in our Port due to the width of the slips," Macpherson said.