Tractor Tugs 1/25th Scale Remote Operated Tractor Tugs

The primary assist tugs in use at Port St. Tammany are MPI’s 1/25th scale tractor tugs based on the local Crescent Towing “J.K. McLean” tractor tug in use in the harbor of New Orleans. The actual tug is an escort-class tractor tug of 5000hp and +/- 74 tons of direct bollard pull. The MPI scale version is a similar Jensen-designed chine hull tug with escort skeg. The production molds and actual hull and decks were built by NOBRA Pilot, Capt. Donald Clement. The current azimuthing drive mechanical systems were designed by George Burkley of MPI. The MPI tugs are capable of delivering 140 tons of scaled bollard pull, allowing for the simulation of up to double the tug force at any position around the ship. One of the tugs has an easily removable skeg which allows for testing of new skeg designs or the running without a skeg to experience the difference in indirect towing effects.