Laguna Gulf Delivered
September 15, 2026
Laguna Gulf was delivered in July 2026 and entered service immediately.
The vessel is the latest member of the proven Z-Tech 30-80 series, developed by Robert Allan Ltd. for Gulf LNG Tugs of Brownsville (“Gulf LNG”), a joint venture comprised of Bay Houston Management, LLC; Moran Towing Corp.; and Suderman & Young Towing Company. Together, the Gulf LNG partners have more than 400 years of experience in ship assist and towage services. The partnership and affiliates are contracted to serve five LNG terminals along the US Gulf Coast and is a leading provider of marine services at LNG terminals in North America. Representing the second generation of this highly successful design, Laguna Gulf is the third of four Robert Allan Ltd.-designed tugboats completed for Gulf LNG.
The Z-Tech 30-80 is an evolution of the renowned Z-Tech escort tug design, incorporating refinements that further enhance escort performance while maintaining the exceptional capability in maneuverability and towing stability for which the series is known. The tug can generate escort forces exceeding 130 long tons, providing outstanding capabilities for demanding escort and ship-handling operations.
Prior to the delivery of Laguna Gulf, fourteen tugs of this design have been completed, providing reliable service across a wide range of towing and escort duties.
Particulars of the Z-Tech 30-80 series escort tugs are:
- Length overall: 98’-6”
- Beam, moulded: 42’-8”
- Depth, moulded: 16’-8”
- Registered Gross tonnage: < 300
The Z-Tech 30-80 tugs are outfitted with a pair of Schottel SRP 510 FP thrusters, 2.8 metre fixed pitch propellers, driven by two EPA Tier4 compliant Caterpillar 3516E main engines, each delivering 3500 bhp at 1800 rpm. A Markey DEF-48A, Class III – 100HP winch is fitted on the forward deck for escort operations.
For more information on the Z-Tech design or any other vessel designs developed by Robert Allan Ltd., please contact: design@ral.ca.