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MARINER
Pictured as: the Columbia Layne (Channel Construction) Photo by: Kyle Stubbs

Built in 1965, by Main Iron Works Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana (hull #139) as the Mariner 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 Dunlap Towing Company of Everett, Washington. Where she was renamed as the Suiattle.

In 2015, she was acquired by Channel Construction Incorporated of Juneau, Alaska. Where the tug was renamed as the Columbia Layne.

Originally fitted with the first, twelve cylinder Fairbanks Morse, turbo charged, diesel engine that was introduced into marine applications. The tug was re powered with a single, EMD 16-645 E7B diesel engine. With a Philadelphia 42VRMGH reduction gear, at a ratio of 4.613:1. Turning a single, 120(in) by 120(in), four bladed, fixed pitch, propeller, in a fixed kort nozzle. She is a single screw tug, rated at 3,070 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by two, 99kW Delco generator sets. Driven by two, Detroit 6-71 diesel engines. Her capacities are 87,000 gallons of fuel oil, 7,200 gallons of potable water and 600 gallons of lube oil.

The tug's towing gear consists of a single drum, Markey TYS 32 towing winch. Outfitted with 2,250(ft) of 2(in) towing wire. She is also outfitted with a three pin, hydraulic system, coupled with a hold down.
(Captain Eric Takakjian, Kyle Stubbs)


  • Vessel Name: MARINER
  • USCG Doc. No.: 2985390
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 66048100
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WCN3591
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 139
  • Ship Builder: MAIN IRON WORKS, INC.
  • Year Built: 1965
  • Length: 115.8
  • Hailing Port: SITKOH BAY, AK.
  • Hull Depth: 17
  • Hull Breadth: 29.6
  • Gross Tonnage: 189
  • Net Tonnage: 129
  • Owner:
    PAIR OF HEARTS LLC
    2685 CHANNEL DRIVE
    PO BOX 33359
    JUNEAU
    AK, UNITED STATES 99803
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    MARINER, SUIATTLE, SUIATTLE
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Interstate Oil Transportation Co., SONAT Marine Co., Maritrans Operating Partners LLP., DUNLAP TOWING COMPANY, PAIR OF HEARTS LLC