VERA BISSO

VERA BISSO (IMO: 9221140) is a Towing/Tug vessel sailing under the United States of America flag.

Vessel Identification

• MMSI: 367001730
• IMO: 9221140
• Call Sign: WDC3027
• Flag: United States
• Vessel Type: Tug
• AIS Type: Towing Vessel

Specifications

• Gross Tonnage: 194 GT
• Net Tonnage: 131 NT
• Length Overall: 30.5 m (100 ft)
• Beam: 10.4 m (34 ft)
• Draft: 4.0 m (13 ft)
• Hull Material: Steel
• Year Built: 2001

Propulsion

• Propulsion Type: Twin Screw
• Engine Configuration: Diesel
• Drive Type: Z-Drive / Azimuthing Stern Drive (ASD Tractor Tug)
• Bollard Pull: Approximately 60 tons

Shipyard

• Builder: Electro-Hydraulic Marine Inc. / Eastern Shipbuilding Group
• Country of Build: United States
• Year Delivered: 2001

Owner / Operator

• Owner: Bisso Marine Company, Inc.
• Operator: Bisso Marine Company, Inc.
• Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Fleet: Part of the Bisso Marine towing fleet operating along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River system

Navigation / Communications Equipment

• AIS: Class A Transponder
• Navigation Lights: Standard COLREGS-compliant configuration
• Radio: VHF Marine Radio
• GMDSS: Equipped per USCG requirements for towing vessel class

Operating Region

• Primary Area: Lower Mississippi River, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and Gulf of Mexico coastal waters
• Port of Registry: New Orleans, Louisiana
• USCG District: District 8 (Gulf Coast)

Vessel Description

The Vera Bisso is a US-flagged commercial towing vessel operated by Bisso Marine Company, one of the oldest and most established marine towing and salvage companies on the Gulf Coast. Built in 2001, the vessel is an azimuthing stern drive tractor tug, providing enhanced maneuverability suited for ship assist, harbor towing, and escort operations. Operating primarily in the Port of New Orleans and along the Mississippi River corridor, the Vera Bisso supports deep-draft vessel transits, barge towing, and related marine services. Bisso Marine has operated in the New Orleans region since 1890, and vessels such as the Vera Bisso represent the company's modern, purpose-built fleet designed for high-performance towing in challenging river and coastal conditions.