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CHARGER
Pictured as: the Captain Dann (Dann Ocean Towing) Photo by: Birk Thomas

Built in 1973, by Main Iron Works Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana (hull #292) as the Charger for the Interstate Oil Transportation Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

At the time, the Interstate Oil Transportation Company operated two fleets. Their Northeast Fleet, which was referred to as the "Green Fleet." Operated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And their Southern Fleet, which was referred to as the "White fleet" which operated out of Tampa, Florida.

In 1981, the Interstate Oil Transportation Company was acquired by the Southern National Resources Company of Birmingham, Alabama. The new company was named the SONAT Marine Company Incorporated of Birmingham, Alabama. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1987, the SONAT Marine Company was acquired by the the Maritrans Operating Partnership of Tampa, Florida. Where the tug retained her name. Maritrans was formed by group of managers from the SONAT Marine Company. Who offered to form a partnership to raise the funds necessary to purchase the company. These eleven partners included some individuals who had worked for the Interstate Oil Transportation Company since the 1950's.

In March of 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound near Valdez, Alaska. And in 1990, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 was passed calling for the double hulling of all petroleum carrying vessels by January 1st of 2015. As well, as other stipulations that effected Maritrans including manning, preparedness, and spill prevention. Maritrans filed suit to fight the stipulations set fourth by OPA '90.

By the mid 1990's, the Maritrans Operating Partners had begun to consolidate its business. By first, backing out of the black oil trade, and carrying only petroleum products and petrochemicals. The phosphate trade, and local transportation in Baltimore, Maryland that was part of the Harbor Towing subsidiary did not fit into Maritrans's new business model. As Maritrans backed out local transportation companies emerged, and established operations in the area. They included the Bouchard Transportation Company of Melville, New York and the Vane Brothers Company of Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1998, the tug was acquired by the Dann Ocean Towing Company of Tampa, Florida. Where she was renamed the Captain Dann.

Powered by two, Caterpillar D-399 TA diesel engines. With Lufkin RLS 4218 reduction gears. Turning two, 104(in) by 86(in), four bladed, fixed pitch propellers. For a rated 2,250 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by two, 60kW generators sets. Driven by two, Detroit Diesel 6-71 diesel engines. The tug's capacities are 37,000 gallons of fuel, 315 gallons of hydraulic oil, 822 gallons of lube oil, 365 gallons of gear oil, 10,000 gallons of water.

Her towing gear consists of an INTERcon, SD175, towing winch. Outfitted with 2,000(ft) of 1.75(in) towing wire, with a New England Trawler capstan.
(Captain Eric Takakjian)


  • Vessel Name: CHARGER
  • USCG Doc. No.: 0553443
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 07367251
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WBH6425
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 292
  • Ship Builder: MAIN IRON WORKS, INC.
  • Year Built: 1973
  • Length: 96.5
  • Hailing Port: TAMPA, FL.
  • Hull Depth: 14
  • Hull Breadth: 27.5
  • Gross Tonnage: 130
  • Net Tonnage: 191
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Charger
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Interstate Oil Transportation Co., SONAT Marine Co., Maritrans Operating Partners LLP., DANN TOWING COMPANY