Great Lakes Towing Company Ordered New Tugs

The Cleveland-based firm commissioned two additional Damen-designed vessels for its harbor fleet.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel tugboat hull under construction in a dry dock, representing regional maritime industrial infrastructure. — The Great Lakes Towing Company has commissioned two new Damen-designed tugs to be constructed at its Cleveland shipyard to modernize its fleet. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Great Lakes Towing Company has placed an order for two new harbor tugs to be built at its local shipyard. These vessels, identified as Hulls 11 and 12, represent the latest phase in the company's ongoing fleet renewal program.

Why it matters

This investment allows the century-old firm to maintain safe and reliable harbor towing operations across the region. It marks another step in a long-standing initiative to modernize and expand its maritime fleet.

The company has ordered two new harbor tugs following the successful commissioning of ten prior Damen-designed vessels. These additions will be constructed and fully outfitted at the Great Lakes Shipyard in Cleveland.

The players

The Great Lakes Towing Company

Founded in 1899, this organization provides critical harbor towing services throughout the Great Lakes region.

Great Lakes Shipyard

Based in Cleveland, this facility handles the construction, outfitting, and maintenance of the company's maritime fleet.

The details

Employees at the Great Lakes Shipyard will leverage expertise gained from constructing the previous ten tugs to assemble the two new hulls. The project is designed to bolster the firm's capacity to provide consistent towing services.

The Great Lakes Towing Company was founded in 1899.
Construction of the two new tugs is expected to begin in late 2026.
The first new tug is scheduled for delivery in late 2027.
The second new tug is scheduled for delivery in early 2028.

Market Landscape

This order reflects the firm's commitment to the long-term fleet renewal program. By building these vessels in-house, the company maintains a competitive edge and operational control over its maritime assets.

Local residents and business partners can expect the firm to maintain steady service reliability as it modernizes its fleet. The continued operation of the local shipyard supports regional employment and maritime infrastructure.

The takeaway

Ongoing investment in specialized maritime equipment ensures that essential port services remain functional for the long term. These construction milestones highlight the importance of localized manufacturing for maintaining critical regional logistics.