Young Brothers Capt. Jim Flanagan points to a monitor showing a chart of Kahului Harbor while giving a tour of the bridge of the new tug named “Kapena Bob Purdy” at the harbor Saturday morning. Flanagan said the tugboat’s two General Electric engines produce more than 6,000 horsepower, burn less fuel and are 50 percent more powerful than the engines on the former tugs. The “Kapena Bob Purdy” tugboat is specially designed for plying the waters of Hawaii. With the comfort of the crew in mind, the engines are quieter with minimum vibration, and the tug has many modern safety improvements.

A dedication event was held for the 123-foot, $20-million tug, which is one of four brand-new “Kapena Class” tugs recently put into service for Young Brothers’ interisland fleet. Saturday’s blessing was conducted by kahu Laki Pomaikai Ka’ahumanu. Members of the Purdy family traveled from around the state to attend.

Young Brothers has been in the Hawaii shipping trade for nearly 120 years.