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Clermont

Center:	Stennis Space Center
Location:	Built in Slidell, LA, operated from Hancock County, MS
Year Built:	1965
Historic Eligibility:
Important Tests:	Not a research facility

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[top] History

The Clermont was a unique, specially designed towboat built in 1965 for moving the huge barges carrying the Apollo engines, liquid fuel, and other cargo within the canal system of the engine test facility. It was named in honor of the first successful steamboat, built by Robert Fulton 200 years earlier. The Clermont was designed at the Marshall Space Flight Center Test Laboratory and built at Southern Shipbuilding Corporation in Slidell, LA. It was approximately 65 feet in length and sported a 1,000 horsepower engine weighing only 450 pounds. It was also designed to serve as a fireboat. Clermont was the first jet-powered tugboat built.

In 1982, the Clermont was replaced by a new vessel, the Clermont II, which was built by Fisherman Marine Shipyard in Bayou la Batre, AL and is still in service today under Capt. Rodrick “Rocky” Pullman.

[top] Photos

[top] Clermont

1965 Clermont, Courtesy of Boat Photo Museum, Dan Owen	1965 Clermont being launched, Courtesy of Boat Photo Museum, Dan Owen	1965 Clermont on its trial runs, Courtesy of Boat Photo Museum, Dan Owen	1965 Clermont Dedication of Clermont Tugboat.	1965 Clermont with barge, Courtesy of Boat Photo Museum, Dan Owen
1965 Clermont's turbine engine, Courtesy of Boat Photo Museum, Dan Owen	1965 Clermont testing firefighting capability	1977 Clermont moves a barge of liquid oxygen	2006 Clermont, Courtesy Tim and Lori Powell	2007 Clermont, Courtesy Tim and Lori Powell
2007 Clermont, Courtesy Tim and Lori Powell	2007 Clermont, Courtesy Tim and Lori Powell	2008 Clermont, Courtesy Tim and Lori Powell	2008 Clermont, Courtesy Tim and Lori Powell

[top] Clermont II

1983 Clermont II at the bascule bridge	1983 Clermont II	1983 Clermont II moving a barge	1983 Clermont II	1983 Clermont II moving a barge
1983 Clermont II moving a barge	1983 Clermont II moving a barge	1987 Clermont II moving liquid oxygen	2001 Clermont II moves an empty fuel barge	2004 Clermont II moves a barge of liquid oxygen
2008 Clermont II, Courtesy Capt. Billy Smith	2008 Clermont II, Courtesy Capt. Billy Smith	2008 Clermont II, Courtesy Capt. Billy Smith