The COSTWISE class boats are a group of three 12,000 BHP AT/B tugs being built at Bender Shipbuilding for an East Coast marine shipping company.  They will work with a specially-designed 342,000 BBL crude oil lightening barge, also designed by OT&BE.  The tug represents a wholesale change in the design philosophy for AT/B tugs.  Each incorporates features not found on conventional tugs, and for their their size, they are among the most spacious and ergonomically-designed tugs afloat.

Designed to burn IFO380 fuel, and fitted with high efficiency Kort nozzles and tripple shudder rudders, the tug is not only highly maneuverable: it has independently steerable rudders and independent steering systems for safety, and the total tug/barge unit meets IMO 75 I requirements for maneuvering.

This tug is also being built for two other operators: three to work in the Caspian Sea with crude shuttles, and one to work with a new 45,000 tonbulk carrier AT/B.  She also features ship-sized crew staterooms, sound-attenuated machinery mounts and spaces, crew stateroomns all above the 01 deck, above main deck machinery spaces, 360 degree visibility pilothouse, full SOLAS certification, and either Intercon or Articouple connection systems.  The steel has been cut for the first Bender unit, with delivery slated for late 2007.