The San Francisco Bay area stands out as one of the world’s most important port regions. Ships from around the globe enter the Bay passing under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Depending on their destination, these vessels pass under at least one more of the Bay’s eight toll bridges. These bridges not only make it easier for both locals and visitors to reach the other side of the Bay but also allow numerous ships to access piers throughout the Bay daily.
Bridge Maintenance Requirements in the Bay
Bridges are invaluable infrastructure elements that make commerce possible. However, they require regular maintenance to continue functioning over the years. Several firms in the Bay area have developed the expertise and equipment necessary to carry out this work. Captain Ron Greger, with a multi-generational history in the Bay, has assembled a functional collection of specialized equipment in this field.
Dave Riccitiello, President of Golden State Bridge, a bridge building and maintenance contractor headquartered in Benicia, California, approached Ron Greger, owner and operator of several vessels in the Bay Area, to develop an additional hull for the bridge maintenance business. The San Francisco maritime community is built on long-established relationships. Riccitiello and Greger have been working together since 1998, when Golden State Bridge chartered Greger’s first tug, the ex-Crowley Trojan.
Comprehensive Rebuild of the Delores Tugboat
In their latest cooperation, Greger’s firm gave one of his support tugs an extensive rebuild. The Delores, measuring 50 by 15 feet with a shallow five-foot draft, was originally built by Greger in 2015. Now it has been completely modernized.
Cummins X15 Engine Specifications
The rebuild included the installation of the following power system:
A pair of keel-cooled, six-cylinder Cummins EPA Tier 3 X15 engines was installed. Each engine produces 450 horsepower continuous duty at 1800 RPM. The engines are fitted with Vulkan couplings and turn five by 180-inch shafts through ZF 350-1 gears with 4:1 reduction. The four-blade propellers measure 40 by 40 inches.
Additional Equipment
Greger also added a Northern Lights 25 kW generator set. Above the deck, a functional deck house with a basic galley and storage was constructed. An elevated wheelhouse was added to provide good operator visibility over the push knees. Most of the boat’s work will involve the push knees forward with Patterson deck winches. An additional H-bitt is mounted on the aft deck. The vessel is registered as built in 2022.
Starting Work at San Mateo Bridge
With the Delores outfitted and inspected by the Coast Guard, issued a certificate of inspection, and freshly painted, she went right to work for Riccitiello’s Golden State Bridge. The company is currently performing maintenance repairs on the San Mateo Bridge. Opened in 1967, the 36,960-foot bridge connects the San Francisco Peninsula on the west to the mainland to the east. The highest span provides 134.5 feet of air draft for passing vessels.