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NICKIE B.
Pictured as: the John Paul (Thames Towboat Company) Photo by: Birk Thomas

Built in 1967, by Houma Shipbuilding Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana (hull #21) as the Kings Explorer for Bayou Tugs Incorporated of Marrero, Louisiana.

In 1980, the tug was acquired by the Universal Towing Company of Marrero, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the U.T. 1.

In 1994, she was bareboat chartered to Christiansen Marine Incorporated of Hampton, Virginia. Where the tug was renamed the tug as the Nickie B.

In 2001, the tug was acquired by Detyens Shipyard Incorporated of Charleston, South Carolina. Where the tug was renamed as the Katrina.

In 2003, she was acquired by the Thames Towboat Company of New London, Connecticut. Where she was renamed as the John Paul.

Named for the Thames Towboat company's vice president, Adam Wronowski's son, John Paul Wronowski. She underwent modifications at the Thames Shipyard and Repair Company in New London, Connecticut. Where the tug was fitted with kort nozzles, and underwater submarine fenders. As well as extensive, interior modifications.

In 2008, the Thames Towboat Company re powered the tug, at the Thames Shipyard and Repair Company in New London, Connecticut. Her original Cummins diesel engines were removed, and replaced with refurbished Cummins diesel engines.

Powered by two, Cummins KTA19-M2 diesel engines. With Twin Disc MG-516 reduction gears, at a ratio of 5:1. Turning two, 72(in) by 58(in), fixed pitch propellers, mounted in kort nozzles. She is a twin screw tug, rated at 1,200 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: NICKIE B.
  • USCG Doc. No.: 511518
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WDC2969
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 21
  • Ship Builder: HOUMA SHIPBUILDING CO INC
  • Year Built: 1967
  • Length: 59.2
  • Hailing Port: NEW YORK, NY.
  • Hull Depth: 9
  • Hull Breadth: 22.1
  • Gross Tonnage: 93
  • Net Tonnage: 63
  • Owner:
    THAMES TOWBOAT CO INC
    2 FERRY STREET
    PO BOX 791
    NEW LONDON, CT 06320
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Kings Explorer, U.T. 1, NICKIE B., KATRINA
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Bayou Tugs Inc., Universal Towing Co., DETYENS MARINE INDUSTRIES, THAMES TOWBOAT CO INC.