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ESCAMBIA RIVER
Pictured as the: Escambia (SeaBulk Towing) Photo by: Birk Thomas

Built in 1998, by Halter Marine Services Incorporated of Lockport, Louisiana (hull #1788) as the Escambia River for Hvide Marine Incorporated of Tampa, Florida.

She is Mark I SDM. The Mark I SDM's were designed to be basic, three man, "day boats."

The tug is a SDM (Ship Docking Module) Seabulk Towing holds the patent license on the SDM design. The engines are coupled to the z drives, mounted along the centerline of the tug which incorporate the speed reduction gearing, and steering, allowing the propeller, and nozzle to rotate 360 degrees.

SDM tugs where constructed with a semi flat bottom to the hull. With two, diametrically opposed azimuthing z drives. Which allow for 100 percent of the tug's 120,000(lbs) of bollard pull to be applied in any direction while stationary against a ship’s hull.

The tug can theoretically propel itself sideways at six knots, forward, and astern at up to 12.5(kts). The boats are stabilized in the water with 12(ft) skegs forward, and aft. While in a ship assist mode, the SDM’s centrifugal, fendering system allows the boat to utilize every point of its hull to control and maneuver a ship.

In 2000, Hvide Marine Incorporated was acquired by SeaBulk Towing Services Incorporated of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Where the tug was renamed as the Escambia.

In 2023, the tug was acquired by the E.N. Bisso and Son Company of Metairie, Louisiana. Where she retained her name.

Powered by two, Caterpillar 3516 BTA diesel engines. With Ulstein 1650H z-drives. Outfitted with stainless steel propellers, for a rated 4,000 horsepower.

The tug's electrical service is provided by two, 73kW generator sets. Driven by two, Detroit Diesel diesel engines. Her capacities are 14,800 gallons of fuel, 1,235 gallons of lube and hydraulic oil, and 1,280 gallons of potable water.

Her deck equipment consists of a Markey DYSF-39, hydraulic, hawser winch. Outfitted with 500(ft) of 8(in) Amsteel Blue, nylon rope.


  • Vessel Name: ESCAMBIA RIVER
  • USCG Doc. No.: 1063675
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 9190951
  • Trade Indicator: HALTER MARINE COMPANY
  • Call Sign: WDE7575
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 1788
  • Ship Builder: HALTER MARINE COMPANY
  • Year Built: 1998
  • Length: 86.7
  • Hailing Port: PORT EVERGLADES, FL.
  • Hull Depth: 10.8
  • Hull Breadth: 50
  • Gross Tonnage: 189
  • Net Tonnage: 128
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Escambia River, Escambia
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Hvide Marine, Inc., AMSOUTH LEASING LTD, REGIONS EQUIPMENT FINANCE, LTD., REGIONS EQUIPMENT FINANCE, LTD., SEABULK TOWING INC.