New Albany, Indiana-based American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) has placed its newest vessel, the 245-passenger riverboat American Countess, in service on the Mississippi River alongside its American Queen and American Duchess.
Converted from the 24-year-old casino boat Kanesville Queen by Gulf Island Shipyards at Houma, Louisiana, the vessel makes use of four Caterpillar 3516 diesel-electric generators of a combined 5,760 kW output powering three 650-hp electric drive motors turning three Schottel SRP 330 rudder propellers to give a service speed of 12-knots. In addition, a pair of Schottel 300-kW tunnel thrusters have been installed to enhance berthing and overall maneuverability while navigating narrow portions of the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers.
