UMaine will be towing a research floating barge weighing 375 tons and is 56ft wide x 32ft tall. The barge will be towed about 60 miles from Desert Narrows off Trenton, Maine to Mack Point in Searsport, Maine.
The date of the tow is highly dependent on weather and vessel traffic at Mack Point but will take place between April 7th to April 25th. Depending on vessel traffic at Mack Point, there is an optional stop at a temporary mooring in Castine near MMA if needed.
The towing company is Penobscot Bay Tractor Tug. The radio frequency for the tow will be VHF Channel 10 and monitoring 16 and 13. Maine Maritime Academy vessels will assist.
The proposed tow route is attached with all with all way points and detailed views for each leg of the route. The tow will be conducted at a speed of about 2 knots.
The estimated width of tow route is about 100ft total for the 56ft wide barge and tow vessels.
Gear does not need to be moved for this tow given the small size of the barge.
Advanced Structures & Composites Center