U.S. Navy ordered two additional 808-class harbor tugboats

The U.S. Navy has ordered detail design and construction of two additional 808-class harbor tugboats, the Pentagon announced  Wednesday.

According to statement, Dakota Creek Industries Inc., is awarded a $26,7 million modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-18-C-2205 for additional 808-class harbor tugboats.

The contract, which was awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) on 9 January, covers the detail design and construction (DD&C) of two yard tug 808-class harbor tugboats (YT 812 and YT 813) and accessory items to include 50-man inflatable buoyant apparatus and Navy Mk-7 life raft, as well as packaging and delivery to final destination.

The contract includes options for accessory items (hoisting system, life rafts, special towing lights and electronic navigation charts), packaging and delivery, crew familiarization and provisioned item orders.

Based on the Valiant class (YT-802) of US Navy Yard tugboats, the YT-808 will be the first of six updated variations built by Dakota Creek Industries.

Designed by Robert Allan Ltd., these 90 foot tugs will be used by the US Navy to perform ship-handling duties for the full range of US Navy surface warships, barges and submarines.

With an updated deck house, new EPA Tier IV engines and a new fendering system, these Tugs will have a free running speed of 12 knots minimum and a Bollard Pull of 40 short tons minimum. Construction on these tugs is planned to commence early in 2019 and is expected to be completed by August 2021.