The H. M. Wilson is a tugboat especially designed for service in Churchill, Manitoba, the only Arctic Ocean port connected to the North America railroad grid.[1][2]

The vessel was designed by the well-known naval architectural firm, Robert Allan Ltd.[2]

She was designed to be broken down into several loads that could each be shipped on a railroad flatcar, to be reassembled in Churchill.[2]

She was designed with a relatively flat bottom, due to the lack of any nearby ports with maintenance facilities.[2] When her hull needs to be serviced or inspected, she beaches herself.

She is equipped with a water cannon, for fighting fires.[2]

She was built to operate in icy waters.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Mark Fleming (1988). "Churchill: Polar Bear Capital of the World" (PDF). Hyperion Press. p. 78. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-08-18. Retrieved 2017-01-09. At least ships are in safe hands once they arrive at the Port of Churchill. The George Kidd and the larger H. M. Wilson are the 2 tugboats that assist the oceangoing vessels in docking.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Robert G. Allan, Peter Woodward. "Ship-Handling in the Port of ChurchillmThe "Bear" Essentials". Marine Technology. Archived from the original on 2017-01-10. Retrieved 2017-01-09.