Master Marine Delivers Mv. Rock Solid To Plimsoll Marine

Bayou La Batre, Ala.-based Master Marine Inc. has delivered the mv. Rock Solid to Plimsoll Marine, a Cooper Group company that provides fleeting and barge services on the Lower Mississippi River between Baton Rouge, La., and Head of Passes. 

The 67-by 28-foot mv. Rock Solid is the third of four Entech-designed towboats Master Marine is building for Plimsoll.

“The delivery of the Rock Solid marks another milestone in our effort to build and maintain our industry’s most modern and capable fleet of push boats,” said Angus R. Cooper III, president of Cooper/T. Smith. “Our team prides itself on serving our industry as the premier push boat service provider on the Lower Mississippi River, and our continued investment in the Plimsoll fleet is a testament to our pledge to always return the highest level of value to our customers.”

Vessel Specs

The twin-screw towboat is powered by a pair of Mitsubishi Tier III main engines from Laborde Products Inc. The engines are rated at 803 hp. apiece and are coupled to Twin Disc 5321 reduction gears from Sewart Supply. Laborde Products also supplied the Rock Solid’s Northern Lights 65 kW. Tier III generators. The vessel features RW Fernstrum Inc. keel coolers throughout.

The engines turn a pair of 70- by 48-inch four-blade stainless steel propellers from Sound Propeller Services. J&S Machine Works supplied the 7-inch propeller shafts, which feature Thordon bearings and Thorplas bushings and shaft seals. RIO Controls & Hydraulic provided the steering system for the Rock Solid’s two main and four flanking rudders.

Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics supplied two Quincy reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans for the Rock Solid. Schuyler Maritime LLC outfitted the Rock Solid with rubber fendering along its rub rail and push knees.

R.S. Price supplied the vessel’s HVAC system, while Blakeney Marine provided custom woodwork and interior finishes. Donovan Marine provided windows throughout the vessel, and Dale’s Welding & Fabricators provided its aluminum exterior doors. Wintech supplied a pair of 40-ton deck winches for the Rock Solid, and New World Inc. supplied its electronics and communications equipment. Unlimited Control & Supply provided the alarm system aboard the mv. Rock Solid.

With the Rock Solid, Plimsoll’s fleet of towboats stands at 21.

“Plimsoll Marine is proud to add the Rock Solid to our growing fleet of world-class push boats,” said Karl Gonzales, vice president of Plimsoll Marine. “Coupled with our team of highly experienced and skilled mariners, Rock Solid further ensures our ability to exceed the expectations of our customers in the safest and most efficient manner.”

Caption: The 67- by 28-foot mv. Rock Solid is powered by a pair Mitsubishi Tier III engines through Twin Disc gears.