Saltchuk Marine and Harbor Docking & Towing have formed a joint venture, Green Tug Towing, and launched construction on four advanced hybrid escort tugboats to support LNG operations in Louisiana.
The new venture has secured a 20-year contract from Woodside Energy to design, build and operate the vessels for its Louisiana LNG export terminal in Calcasieu Parish.
“This partnership brings two family-owned companies with shared values together to do important work,” said Jason Childs, president and CEO of Saltchuk Marine. “Saltchuk Marine and Harbor Docking & Towing both have long histories built on safety, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the people and communities we serve. We're proud to partner with a member of the Lake Charles maritime community that has been trusted for generations, and we look forward to building a long and productive future together.”
The four escort tugboats will be constructed by C&C Marine and Repair at its facility in Belle Chasse. The vessels will follow the RApport 2800H design developed by Robert Allan Ltd., a platform engineered for modern LNG terminal operations.
The hybrid tugboats will feature diesel-electric propulsion systems designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during standby, transit and low-speed maneuvering. Additional capabilities include high-performance steering forces and bollard pull to safely handle large LNG carriers, as well as optimized hull designs tailored for berth operations.
“Harbor Docking & Towing and Saltchuk Marine share a commitment to fit-for-purpose design and providing operational excellence to our customers,” said John Buchanan, president of Harbor Docking & Towing. “These tugs provide best-in-class technology and design and further expand maritime capacity and capability in southwest Louisiana. We look forward to growing the partnership to explore opportunities in other U.S. ports.”
Green Tug Towing will provide a comprehensive range of services to support vessel traffic at the Woodside Louisiana LNG facility. These services include LNG carrier berthing and unberthing, escort operations, standby support, emergency response and general harbor assistance.
The project is expected to enhance operational efficiency while supporting environmental performance goals at the LNG terminal. The facility itself remains under construction and is part of broader investment in U.S. energy export infrastructure.
Green Tug Towing will also operate a dedicated tug facility in Lake Charles, positioning it to serve increasing maritime demand along the Gulf Coast. Harbor Docking & Towing currently operates along the Calcasieu Shipping Channel, one of the busiest waterways in the nation by tonnage.
The initiative reflects a broader shift toward cleaner maritime technologies and integrated logistics solutions in LNG operations. With hybrid propulsion and advanced vessel design, the project is expected to set a benchmark for future tugboat fleets supporting energy terminals.
Originally reported by Business Wire.
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