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CATERPILLAR

Built in 1949, by the Nashville Bridge Company of Nashville, Tennessee (hull #898) as Caterpillar for the Nashville Bridge Company of Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1979, the vessel was acquired by the Chotin Transportation Company of New Orleans, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Observer.

In 1992, she was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where the vessel retained her name.

Powered by two, Cummins NTA855 diesel engines. Twin Disc reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.5:1. She is a twin screw, square bow, push boat. Rated at 700 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: CATERPILLAR
  • USCG Doc. No.: 0258792
  • Vessel Service: PASSENGER (INSPECTED)
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDC5191
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 898
  • Ship Builder: Nashville Bridge Co.
  • Year Built: 1949
  • Length: 97.7
  • Hailing Port: WILMINGTON, DE.
  • Hull Depth: 7.5
  • Hull Breadth: 25.1
  • Gross Tonnage: 96
  • Net Tonnage: 65
  • Owner:
    KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP
    55 WAUGH DR STE 1000
    HOUSTON, TX 77007
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    CATERPILLAR
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Chotin Carriers, Inc., KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP