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COASTAL EXPRESS
Pictured as: the Capt. Frank Gibson (Kirby Corporation) Photo by: Vladimir Knyaz

Built in 1966, by Main Iron Works Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana (hull #182) as the Dixie Marauder for Dixie Marine Incorporated of Houston, Texas.

In 1998, the tug was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where she retained her name.

In 2003, the Kirby Corporation renamed the tug as the Capt. Frank Gibson.

In 2019, she was acquired by Coastal Marine Contractors Incorporated of Slidell, Louisiana. Where the tug was renamed as the Coastal Express.

Powered by two, Volvo D12 diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears, at a ratio of 5.16:1. She is a twin screw, towboat, rated at 900 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: COASTAL EXPRESS
  • USCG Doc. No.: 503924
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDC2581
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 182
  • Ship Builder: MAIN IRON WORKS, INC.
  • Year Built: 1966
  • Length: 60.3
  • Hailing Port: SLIDELL, LA.
  • Hull Depth: 9.1
  • Hull Breadth: 24
  • Gross Tonnage: 108
  • Net Tonnage: 73
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    DIXIE MARAUDER
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Dixie Marine Inc., KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP