New Corps tug for Soo launched in Louisiana

The Soo Project Office, located in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, will receive two new tugs this year. The tug captains, engineers and crews recently went to the Lower Atchafalaya River at the shipbuilder’s Morgan City, LA, facility to witness the first tug launch.

The R.J. Pearce was released into the water by sinking the barge it was on and then cut loose to float.

The new tug is named in honor of Ronald J. Pearce’s impeccable service and dedication to his country and the Corps of Engineers. Pearce worked at the Soo Locks for thirty-five-years, starting in the area at the age of 13 delivering mail to the 15,000 troops stationed in Sault Ste Marie during WWII. He was appointed Chief of the St. Marys River Branch in 1967 where he would complete his career.

The tug will have American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) classification of Maltese Cross ✠ A-1 Towing Vessel, Ice Class C0, Great Lakes Service with Maltese Cross ✠ AMS and UWILD. The overall length is 76 feet, beam is 28 feet and drafts 9.5 feet deep fully loaded.

The next tug will be named H.J. Lawson.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District