10/28/2026
M/V Porter J. Furlong - Passing Russell, Ky this morning just after a beautiful sunrise.
Hines Furlong Line
Built in 2009 by Quality Shipyards LLC, the twin-screw towboat measures 166 feet by 48 feet and delivers 6,000 horsepower from a pair of EMD 12-710G7B II diesel engines. Her power is transferred through Lufkin 4.345:1 reduction gears, while Kort nozzles help convert every bit of horsepower into the pushing force needed on America's inland waterways.
Originally entering service as Mountain State for AEP River Operations, the vessel spent her early years supporting one of the river industry's largest operators. In 2019, following her acquisition by Hines Furlong Line, she received the name she carries today.
The name Porter J. Furlong serves as a tribute to the individuals whose vision and hard work helped build the foundation of one of the inland river industry's most respected family-owned companies. It's a fitting title for a vessel that represents both modern capability and the enduring legacy of those who dedicated their lives to the waterways.
Today, whether assembling tows, moving bulk commodities, or navigating the challenges of America's river system, M/V Porter J. Furlong continues the work she was built for, combining dependable horsepower with a name that honors generations of river tradition.
"From Mountain State to Porter J. Furlong, she remains a powerful presence on the inland rivers, carrying both cargo and a piece of river industry history with every mile."
