Horizon Shipbuilding Delivers the M/V Michael Akiu # 86

Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc. is proud to announce the delivery of another 80’

Inland River Towboat, the M/V Michael Akiu # 86, to Florida Marine Transporters. Inc. of Mandeville, LA. This is the third 80’ towboat of the three vessel contract with FMT.

The vessels namesake is an employee of FMT and played for the NFL's Houston Oilers (now Tennessee Titans) as a wide receiver.

Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc., a Bayou La Batre, Alabama shipyard has delivered several 140’and 120’ inland river towboats over the eight year relationship with Florida Marine Transporters. The Project Manager for the construction of the M/V Michael Akiu# 86, Mike Sims, has delivered the three 80’ vessels on-time for Horizon Shipbuilding and Florida Marine Transporters.

The contract for three 80’-0” X 33’-0” X 10’-6” twin propeller towboats was awarded to Horizon in 2013. The 2100 HP M/V Michael Akiu # 86 is used for Intracoastal Waterways and Inland Rivers Operations.

The towboat is powered by Caterpillar 3508C, rated 1050 Horsepower at 1600 RPM, diesel engines. The reduction gears are Twin Disc MG 540 reduction gears. Three John Deere 4045 99 KW, 208 Volt AC, 60 Hz, diesel generators are installed for electrical power.