Harley Marine Services adds new tug DR HANK KAPLAN to its fleet

Harley Marine Services welcomed its newest vessel, DR HANK KAPLAN, to its Puget Sound fleet on Thursday June 22, 2017. The vessel has a length of 80’, a beam of 36’ and a depth of 13’7”, and is equipped with two 3516C marine propulsion engines that deliver a combined 5350 HP. The vessel also features the brand new Cat MTA 524-T azimuth thrusters, which were specially designed for high performance tractor tugboats, the Company said in a media release.

Some other new features include maximized bollard pull, simpler installation and maintenance requirements, and an increase in maneuverability. The DR HANK KAPLAN is a revolutionary vessel as it is the first in North America to utilize a complete Caterpillar Marine propulsion system. The tug is also a sister class vessel to the recently built MICHELLE SLOAN and LELA FRANCO.

The tractor tug honors Dr. Henry Kaplan, the Chief of Medical Oncology at Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle, Washington. Throughout a career spanning 45 years, Kaplan devoted his time and effort to Cancer research and treatment, earning him a place as a locally celebrated and highly regarded clinician. Kaplan garnered his reputation due not only to his unique methods of treatment, which have become a standard among his peers, but due to his philosophy towards his patients.

His professional statement reads simply, “Try to help the patient make the most of life.” It’s this philosophy and work ethic that allowed him to build, as the Seattle Times wrote, “One of the most successful private oncology practices in the Northwest.” He was even the cover subject of a Seattle Magazine entitled “Top Doctors.”

In addition to honoring his name with the new vessel, Harley Marine hosts an annual fundraising event which benefits Kaplan’s organization the “Kaplan Cancer Research Fund.” The event has raised upwards of 2 million dollars for the Swedish Medical Center over the past five years. This year the event will take place on August 14th at Glendale Country Club.

Harley Marine Services is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States, with operations along the West Coast (including Alaska), New York Harbor and the U.S. Gulf Coast. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum.