Verret Shipyard Delivered New Tugs to Turn Services

The Louisiana-based shipyard has handed over two new inland vessels to the New Orleans operator.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Trucks

Isometric editorial illustration showing two industrial pusher tugboats moored at a riverside pier, rendered in bold geometric flat colors. — Verret Shipyard in Plaquemine has completed the delivery of two new inland pusher tugs to the New Orleans-based operator Turn Services. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Verret Shipyard in Plaquemine has completed the delivery of two new inland pusher tugs, named Sir Barton and War Admiral, to New Orleans-based Turn Services. These vessels are the first in an eight-boat expansion program for the operator.

Why it matters

The deployment of these standardized vessels aims to enhance operational efficiency by creating a consistent platform for maintenance and crew training. This strategy builds on the company's long-term experience with similar fleet assets.

Each 65-foot by 26-foot tug features a 1,600hp twin-screw propulsion package driven by two Mitsubishi engines rated at 803 hp each. The vessels are equipped with Reintjes WF 570 reduction gears.

The players

Verret Shipyard

Located in Plaquemine, Louisiana, this facility specializes in the construction and repair of marine vessels.

Turn Services

Headquartered in New Orleans, this marine operator manages a fleet of tugs on the Lower Mississippi River.

The details

The new tugs are designed to operate across the Lower Mississippi River and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Turn Services selected this engine and propulsion configuration specifically to streamline the training process for crews accustomed to the company's existing fleet standards.

The remaining six vessels in the eight-boat program are scheduled for delivery during 2026.
Additional deliveries for the series are set to continue through 2027.

Roadmap

This vessel program reflects a broader trend among inland operators to shift toward standardized propulsion packages for easier maintenance. By expanding the fleet to eight boats, Turn Services is positioning its infrastructure to maintain high utilization rates across the Gulf coast.

For the regional logistics sector, the introduction of these tugs ensures more reliable towage and maintenance capacity on the Lower Mississippi River. This expansion helps solidify the local supply chain by providing more consistent vessel availability for heavy freight transit.

The takeaway

Standardizing fleet vessels allows operators to lower long-term maintenance costs and improve safety through familiar equipment. Businesses looking to scale should prioritize platform commonality to simplify logistics and training requirements.