The new dredge tender is named after the Cowlitz River in Washington State. She will replace W.L. Williamsthe port’s current workboat that had been used to support inland waterway dredging operations in the same area.
Cowlitz is a 69-foot (21-metre), 190GT twin screw workboat with a double-chined hull, a pram bow, and push knees, as well as a full suite of electric deck winches from Markey to provide the crew with full operational functionality. Electrically driven deck equipment ensures more precise control compared to conventional machinery, which will in turn facilitate more accurate positioning when operating amid currents.
The workboat was designed to meet US Coast Guard Subchapter M requirements. Glosten subsidiary Noise Control Engineering performed habitability noise predictions to enhance crew comfort and meet the port safety department’s noise requirements.
The tender utilises a standard pusher tug design with a noticeably elevated wheelhouse. This arrangement provides the bridge crew with improved forward visibility from the helm station, allowing the tender to safely push stationary vessels such as barges and the Port of Portland’s own cutter suction dredger Oregon.
