Tug Vicki M. McAllister

"Vicki M. McAllister" is a new generation high-tech harbor tug designed to safely maneuver today's supertankers and cruise ships. From topside towing equipment to bridge to engine room, Viki's equipment is radical departure from a tug boats of just a few years ago.

Gone are the days when deck hands man-handled heavy towing lines onto capstans and bollards. Viki's bow winch, controlled by the captain form the pilot house, slacks and hauls towing hawsers with no help from the deck crew. Elsewhere, safety is a top consideration. Banks of cylinders of inert gas stand ready for release in the event of an engine room fire.

"In case of emergency the engine room is evacuated and we push the button," said crew member Kevin Rodriguez.

The Vicki's advanced propulsion adds a new dimension to the mariner's "ahead and astern" commands. With propellors that can rotate through a full 360 degrees the boat can move from ahead to astern without reversing the engines. Each propellor has a small engine to change its direction. Power from its 5000 horsepower main engine spins the propellor.

"The concept eliminates the need for a four or five thousand pound shaft delivers more power where it is needed," said Kevin. "There are more moving parts but it delivers more concentrated power."

Controls in the pilot house are as revolutionary as Viki's diesel engines. Don't look for a traditional large spoked steering wheel. Its been replaced by a small knobs easily recognized by any kid who is into computer games. Two tiny rings surrounding the knobs control engine speed.

"These controls are really sensitive. It takes four or five months to get a handle on operating this control system," Kevin noted. "After a year of experience, our captain, Brian Fournier, has gotten good at it. When a new man takes over it shows.

Viki is designed specifically for ship docking. Long haul coastwise tow jobs are assigned to conventional tugs. For example, it would be unusual for a tug of this type to be assigned to towing an oil barge from here to Philadelphia. Nevertheless there are situations off shore where these boat work well.

"Last year an oil tanker lost four cylinders thirteen miles outside of Portland," Kevin recalled. "The Vicki's advanced tow line control and maneuverability were ideal for working the tanker safely into Portland Harbor."