I Love Tugboats

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I love tugboats. Maybe it is because of that Little Golden Book, Scuffy The Tugboat, that I read to my kids (so many times), or the similarity with The Little Engine That Could. Such strong, determined little characters that let nothing stop them in their adventures.

Last weekend, arriving at the base of the railroad bridge, it was a very quick hop out of the car with the cameras because a barge and several tugs were entering the Canal.

I like how busy the top photo is of Taylor’s Point. Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s administration building is dwarfed by the Training Ship Kennedy, formerly the TS Enterprise (when I had occasion to think of my cadet on board). The tugs at the MMA dock have always been a favorite sight of mine, and this time, there were a few more to watch in action as a barge was being guided through the Canal.

Soon after the unfortunate oil spill by a certain company (read the barge) in Buzzards Bay in 2003, it has been a requirement that two tugs pilot some fuel bearing and other ships through the Canal.

This large, rusty hulled barge (how do they stay afloat?) actually presents a dramatic scene with the bright red tug guiding as it moves under the railroad bridge.

Following closely behind is the Rowan M. McAllister, once known as Dolly when she was built in 1981 for the McAllister Towing fleet

Passing under the bridge, the tug will see the barge safely through the length of the Canal.

Sitting on the opposite bank is the Manamet, waiting to be an escort as needed for the Army Corps of Engineers.

What is that castle insignia on the stack? The same can be found at the top of the railroad bridge.

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For those interested in another site with some great tugboat shots, Phil at The Daily Portsmouth has some amazing HDR photos.

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