Brusco Tug & Barge Christens Newest Tug To The Port of Hueneme Family
Port Of Hueneme - California (PRWEB) June 17, 2014 -- Over 40 Port, industry and community partners welcomed Brusco Tug & Barge's newest 78-foot by 31-foot ship assist tug, the Simone Brusco as it was christened at a noontime ceremony held at The Port of Hueneme today. Port Commissioners President Mary Anne Rooney and Vice President, Jess Herrera, joined in the celebration with the Brusco family along with several other dignitaries including the new US Coast Guard Captain of Port, Jennifer Williams, and Mayor John Sharkey of Port Hueneme.
The Simone Brusco is the third Robert Allan-designed ship assist tug built exclusively for The Port. The new vessel is a continuation of a line of ship assist tugs for the Longview, Washington-based Brusco Tug & Barge, named in honor of the late daughter of Bo and Teri Brusco, Simone.
"The Simone Brusco is a world class tug boat," announced Mike Fullilove, General Manager of Brusco Tug & Barge's Hueneme operations. "She increases our tug capabilities at the Port with horsepower provided by a pair of Caterpillar 3512 Tier III engines which produce a combined 4,000 HP that not only meet but exceed California emission standards."
Commenting at the ceremony Port Board President Mary Anne Rooney said, "The Brusco Tug & Barge are an important part of our Port family. The Brusco family always goes the extra mile, supporting our industry, our customers and law enforcement partners. They bring green clean technologies to our region, benefiting the communities and region we serve."
The Port's tugs routinely participate in joint emergency exercises with the Ventura County Fire Department. If needed, the fire department can attach their fittings into the Simone's discharge line sending water to help fight a building or ship fire.
Like her sister tugs, the Simone is outfitted with a forward electric Markey Render/Recover hawser winch as well as a 1,500 gpm fire pump and monitor. The Simone can not only pour water on a shipboard fire, but act as an auxiliary water source for shore-based emergencies as well. The Simone is a day boat, designed for a crew of two or three. The tugs are crewed on a call-out basis to service the ocean borne freight transporting in and out of The Port.
Port CEO Kristin Decas remarked, "Vital to our Port's operations, Brusco tugs ensure the safe and efficient berthing of oceangoing commercial vessels. Brusco's highly maneuverable tugs are custom built for optimum performance within the confines of our unique port. Their commitment to The Port of Hueneme represents a 26 year partnership, and today their operations support the $1.1 billion in trade related activity that comes through The Port."
The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. The Port is governed by 5 locally elected Port Commissioners. The Port moves $8 billion in goods each year and consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for autos and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $1.1 billion in economic activity and creating 10,400 trade-related jobs. Trade through The Port generates more than $69 million in annual state and local taxes, which fund vital community services.
Will Berg, Port of Hueneme, http://www.portofhueneme.org, +1 (805) 377-1500 Ext: 2234, [email protected]
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