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MELISSA L.
Pictured as: the Bridget Caulley (Kirby Corporation) Photo by: Sam Draye

Built in 1975, by the Scully Brothers Boat Builders of Stephensport, Louisiana (hull #36) as the Melissa L. for the Scully Brothers Boat Builders of Stephensport, Louisiana.

In 1975, the tug was leased to Systems Fuels Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1989, she was leased to the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where she was renamed as the Thomas Herndon.

In 1994, the tug was leased to Coastal Towing Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Marla Helm.

In 1998, she was acquired by Coastal Towing Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2004, the tug was acquired by Capital Towing Limited of Houston, Texas. Where tug was renamed as the Bridget Caulley.

In 2006, she was acquired the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

Repowered in 2004, she is driven by two, Caterpillar 3516 diesel engines. With Reintjes reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.5:1, with kort nozzles. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 3,200 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: MELISSA L.
  • USCG Doc. No.: 565797
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDF3975
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 36
  • Ship Builder: Scully Bros. Boat Builders
  • Year Built: 1975
  • Length: 104
  • Hailing Port: HOUSTON, TX.
  • Hull Depth: 8
  • Hull Breadth: 34
  • Gross Tonnage: 445
  • Net Tonnage: 303
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    MELISSA L., THOMAS HERNDON, MARLA HELM
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Scully Brothers Boat Builders, Systems Fuels, Inc., COASTAL TOWING INC, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP