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POLAR EXPRESS

Built in 1973, by Halter Marine Services Incorporated of Lockport, Louisiana (hull #378) as the Polar Express for Spainer Marine Incorporated of Harvey, Louisiana.

In 1988, the tug was acquired by Coastal Towing Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where she was renamed as the Gayolyn Ann Griffin.

In 2004, she was acquired by Capital Towing Limited of Houston, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Elizabeth R.

In 2006, the tug was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where she retained her name. But, was operated by Capital Towing Limited of Houston, Texas.

In 2012, she was returned to the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2019, the tug was acquired by Superior Marine Ways Incorporated South Point, Ohio. Where she was renamed as the L. Dale Manns.

Repowered in 2004, the tug is driven by two Caterpillar 3512 diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.5:1. She is a twin screw, towboat, rated at 2,600 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: POLAR EXPRESS
  • USCG Doc. No.: 547300
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 7398250
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDB9767
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 378
  • Ship Builder: HALTER MARINE SERVICES, INC
  • Year Built: 1973
  • Length: 86.5
  • Hailing Port: SOUTH POINT, OH.
  • Hull Depth: 9.5
  • Hull Breadth: 30
  • Gross Tonnage: 242
  • Net Tonnage: 164
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Polar Express, GAYOLYN ANN GRIFFIN, ELIZABETH R.
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Spanier Marine Corp., COASTAL TOWING INC, CAPITAL TOWING LIMITED, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP