Tractor Tug M/V ROBERT FRANCO Arrives in Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor for Harley Marine Services

On July 1st, 2013 Harley Marine Service’s new Z-drive tractor tug, the M/V ROBERT FRANCO arrived in Southern California. This 100’x40’ tractor tug will enter the ship assist and tanker escort market for both Millennium Maritime and Harley Marine Services in Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors.

The M/V ROBERT FRANCO was built with the most technically and environmentally advanced equipment available. This tug features Tier III engines and cold ironing/shore power capabilities. It also marks the second Tier III engine on a ship assist/escort tug boat, meeting EPA’s low emission standards in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Compared to Tier 0 engines, Tier III engines reduce the NOX and particulate matter amounts by 90%. Since Harley Marine Service’s inception, their goal has been focused on being the safest and most environmentally responsible marine transportation company and the CAT 3516 Tier III engines are a part of that commitment.

Equipped with 6,800 horsepower and providing 91 tons of bollard pull, the M/V ROBERT FRANCO is the most powerful tug to ever provide ship assist in Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. With the growing size of container ships (14,000 TEU) and tankers over 300,000 DWT’s calling on these ports, Harley Marine Services is committed to building higher horsepower tugs in order to accommodate them. Tugs like the M/V ROBERT FRANCO will provide these larger ships with safe navigation in the LA/LB harbors, as well as emergency towing services off-shore.

Harley Marine Services has plans for a second 100’ x 40’ Z-drive ship assist tractor tug to join their fleet this summer, the M/V AHBRA FRANCO. Both of these tugs are equipped with state of the art Mackay marine electronics, Markey tow winches, as well as firefighting and safety equipment.

CEO and Chairman Harley Franco states “the arrival of this new state-of-the-art tug boat symbolizes Harley Marine Services dedication to the safety of our employees, protection of the environment, and to providing the most advanced, dependable, and committed service to all of our customers.” Harley Marine Services is proud to be a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States and is dedicated to being the safest, most environmentally responsible, efficient, and customer service oriented company in the marine services business.