Robert Allan Ltd. - Naval Architects and Marine Engineers

This class of compact, agile tugs pays tribute to C.H. Cates and Sons of North Vancouver, one of our earliest major Clients and a company with whom we collaborated closely in the development of a significant series of twin-screw and Z-drive ship-assist tugs for the Port of Vancouver over more than a twenty year period. The Cates boats were amongst the first Z-drive tugs in North America. Derivatives of these designs were amongst our earliest export contracts. The lessons learned from working with the fine people involved with this innovative and forward thinking organization (now part of the Washington Marine Group) led the way to our successful expansion into the worldwide business of ship-assist tug design. The CATES Class tugs are characterized by their light displacement, simple and cost-effective outfitting and construction, and "slippery" hull form, ideal for fast manoeuvring and rapid response. They are denoted by Length/Bollard Pull, e.g. CATES 23/30.