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GRAPE APE (1952)
Photo by: John Curdy

Built 1952, by Arnold V. Walker Shipyard Incorporated of Pascagoula, Mississippi. However, her construction was completed by the G.B. Zigler Company of Jennings, Louisiana. As the Z-Twelve for the G.B. Zigler Company of Jennings, Louisiana.

In 1965, the tug was acquired by Sun Oil Transport Incorporated of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. Where she was renamed as the Chesapeake Sun.

In 1982, she was acquired by the Hays Tug and Launch Company of Wallingford, Pennsylvania. Where the tug was renamed as the Grape Ape.

In 2004, the tug was removed from active service. And, scrapped at the Hays Tug and Launch Company's yard at Chester, Pennsylvania.

Powered by two, GM 12-567 diesel engines. She was a twin screw towboat, rated at 1,800 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: GRAPE APE (1952)
  • USCG Doc. No.: 266609
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WF3032
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Ship Builder: Arnold V. Walker Shipyard
  • Year Built: 1952
  • Length: 95.9
  • Hull Depth: 8.6
  • Hull Breadth: 28.1
  • Gross Tonnage: 229
  • Net Tonnage: 100
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Z-Twelve, Chesapeake Sun, Grape Ape
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    G.B. Zigler Co., Sun Oil Transport Inc, BIG DADDY TUGBOAT COMPANY