AUGUST 22, 2013 — Nichols Brothers Boat Builders reports that it recently signed a vessel construction agreement with San Francisco based Baydelta Maritime, LLC for construction of a new 100 ft x 40 ft Z-drive tractor tug.

Shipbuilder's previous Delta Class deliveries to Delta Marine include Delta Lindsey

It will be the ninth Delta Class design tug Nichols has built at its Whidbey Island, WA, shipyard and its sixth newbuild for Baydelta.

The Delta Class design was developed in 2006 by Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle, Baydelta Navigation, and Nichols Brothers.

The escort tractor tug is ABS load line certified and has a propulsion system that includes two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines coupled to a Rolls Royce US 255 FP Z-drive system. The propulsion package will produce over 90 tons of bollard pull with a combined horsepower of 6,800, giving the tug exceptional pulling power and maneuverability.

The tug is also equipped with two C6.6 CAT generators.

The vessel is outfitted with two Markey winches, one forward for escort/ship assist and one aft for towing, Smith Berger tow pin aft, SSR Marine fenders, Mackay Marine Electronics, and a Technicold by Northern Lights HVAC system.

"Nichols yard does excellent work, you have a very dedicated and talented workforce and now with Mr. Matt Nichols back in charge there is again very good communications between Nichols and Baydelta," says Peter Zwart, Baydelta Maritime's Operations and New Build Manager. He added that Baydelta owner Shawn Bennett, is "very pleased to be back with Nichols Bros Boat Builders in order to continue Baydelta's newbuilding program."