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DIXIE PRINCE (1976)
Pictured as: the Dixie Prince (Kirby Corporation) Photo by: Sam Draye

Built in 1976, by the Louis G. Ortis Boat Company of Krotz Springs, Louisiana (hull #21) as the Mary Jean for the W.W. Towing and Fueling Company Incorporated of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In 2006, the tug was acquired by Dixie Marine Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where she was renamed as the Dixie Prince.

In 2014, she was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2019, the tug was phased out of active service, and was "laid up."

In 2020, the tug was acquired by Little Rock Harbor Service Incorporated of Little Rock, Arkansas. Where she was renamed as the Capt. Mike Metzler.

Originally powered by two, GM 12V-71 diesel engines. She was renpowered in 1997, with two John Deere 6125FM75-M3 diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears, at a ratio of 6:1. She is a twin screw, towboat, rated at 900 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: DIXIE PRINCE (1976)
  • USCG Doc. No.: 0573899
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDL8097
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 21
  • Ship Builder: Louis G. Ortis Boat Co.
  • Year Built: 1976
  • Length: 53.5
  • Hailing Port: LITTLE ROCK, AR.
  • Hull Depth: 8.3
  • Hull Breadth: 20
  • Gross Tonnage: 94
  • Net Tonnage: 64
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    MARY JEAN, DIXIE PRINCE
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    W/W TOWING & FUELING CO INC, Dixie Marine Inc., KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP.