Our Vessels
Tugs
Elsbeth
The ELSBETH is the “flagship” in the family of tugs. She is fully equipped for ocean and inland towing, salvage and rescue. A very efficient, comfortable and reliable tug for dredging or island barge operations. She is in great shape and keeps on running strong.
Elsbeth II
The Elsbeth II has circumnavigated the globe and performed 40 successful Trans-Atlantic Tows. All systems in triplicate for enhanced reliability. This tug has performed countless rescue and salvage towages worldwide. It carries salvage pumps and welding and workshop tools. ELSBETH II is the workhorse of the Smith Maritime Fleet.
Elsbeth III
Tug Elsbeth III is a very small powerful, agile, sea going tug able to withstand the rigors of ship and barge towing or ocean rescue service in all weather conditions. All systems in triplicate for enhanced reliability. Fully fitted out for extended service at sea or in distant and remote locations. This boat may own the fuel efficiency all time towing record - Norfolk to Seattle on 70,000 gallons with a 400ft barge.
Rhea
Tug Rhea is a near twin of ELSBETH III. She has brand new Tier II Mitsubishi engines and ice class props with all systems in triplicate for enhanced reliability. Rhea is fully fitted for extended service at sea or in distant and remote locations.
Capt Latham
The newest addition to the Smith Maritime Fleet so aptly named after the owner “Captain Latham Smith”. 10.5ft propellers designed for power and economical fuel burn towing heavy loads long distances. The tug holds 200,000 Gallons with endurance for 75 days of towing. This tug has GMDSS, ISM, a fast rescue boat, big crane, salvage pumps, many spares and a double drum winch and stern roller to provide specialty services in the Petroleum and Salvage industry.
Miss Rui
The Miss Rui is the latest addition to the Smith Fleet named after Capt Latham’s wife ”RUI“. The Tug has a raised pilot house, double drum winch and holds over 120,000 Gallons of fuel giving it a long sailing range. The vessel is sleek and extremely fast and referred to as ”the race horse of the fleet.“
Barges
Marilyn Monroe
This barge is the lady of the fleet so named for the admiration the owner once had for Marilyn. The barge is long and sleek, tows fast and can transport a heavy load anywhere in the world. She was built with a maximum beam of 76’ so she is suitable for passage thru most locks in the Great Lakes and the Colombia River.
Elvis
The Barge is equipped with a remote operated ballasting / de-ballasting system with a pumping capacity of 1950 CBM/hour. System operated from control room on bow. The barge has to be grounded during the submersion therefore the grounding site normally has to be surveyed for suitability. It carries heavy platforms and oil field equipment worldwide.
Derrick Barges
Dixie Driver
The Dixie Driver is a workhorse with a 300 ton lifting capacity and improved quarters for service personnel. The barge is equipped with a 4 point mooring system for use in water depths beyond the capacity of the spud system. This vessel has an established reputation in the Gulf platform salvage market for the past 25 years. Experienced personnel, innovative techniques and strong project management provide the customer with security in utilizing this barge for all shallow water salvage projects. It also does heavy lift jobs along the U.S. Gulf Coast for many clients between salvages.
Smith Maritime's vessels operate primarily between the U.S., the Caribbean & South America. More recently to several ports in Europe, the Mediterranean Sea & Pacific Northwest. Our history is one of dedicated service with a superior loss record. Our services include ocean and coastal towing, pipe & cable laying, submersible operations, cargo & dredge ops, demolition, harbor, anchor and buoy handling, and most exciting of all, salvage and rescue.