NGL Christens Mv. Sophia Grace
NGL Marine, a segment of NGL Energy Partners LLC, Houston, Texas, has accepted delivery of its second new, twin-screw towboat from Westport Orange Shipyard in Orange, Texas. It was christened the mv. Sophia Grace on July 11 in Houston.
Built on the design of Sterling Marine, the open-wheel vessel measures 90 by 32 feet with a depth of 11-1/2 feet and a draft of 9 feet. It has a pilothouse eye level of 35 feet. Its 2,600 hp. is from twin Cat 3512 Tier 3 mains from Mustang Cat. The engines turn 83- by 63-inch, Sound propellers on 8-inch shafts through Twin Disc MGX 5600 reduction gears from Sewart Supply. Reduction is 6:1. The engines are keel cooled by an East Park Radiator system.
The Sophia Grace has a fuel capacity of 30,000 gallons and can carry 8,000 gallons of potable water, 300 gallons of lube oil and 200 gallons of gear oil. The steering system and engine alarms were provided by Rio Controls & Hydraulics.
The new vessel has accommodations for a crew of seven with two complete baths and one half-bath. There is 3-inch mineral wool insulation throughout the cabins, with additional sound barriers sandwiched between the mineral wool at each engineroom bulkhead to eliminate machinery noise. Two 99 kw. John Deere generators from MSI Houston provide auxiliary power.
The interior features wood paneling, ceramic tile and granite countertops. Deck equipment includes two Nabrico 40-ton winches from Johnny’s Propeller Shop. The electronics package was provided by D&G Communications. The hull is protected by M&M Bumpers.
The Sophia Grace is named for the twin daughters of Doug White, who is NGL’s executive vice president of water solutions.
A third identical towboat for NGL Marine is due to be delivered in October by Westport Orange. A 114- by 34-foot, 3,200 hp. towboat is to follow around the first of the year, said Craig Lagrone, vice president-marine. At that time, as the newbuild program ends, it will give NGL Marine a total of 10 boats, he said.
