Jupiter (tugboat) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jupiter

Jupiter moored at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia
History
United States
Name	Socony 14 (1903–1914) S.T. Co. No. 14 (1914-1918) Socony 14 (1918-1938) Jupiter (1938-Present)
Owner	Standard Oil Company (1901–1939) Independent Pier Company (1939–1980) Eastern Towboat of Boston (1980–1989) Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (1989–)
Operator	Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild
Route	Philadelphia & Boston Harbors
Builder	Neafie & Levy
Yard number	961
Laid down	1901
Launched	1902
Completed	1903
In service	1902–1989
Status	Museum ship
General characteristics
Type	Tugboat
Tonnage	147 GT
Length	101 ft (31 m)
Beam	22 ft (6.7 m)
Draft	9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
Decks	4
Installed power	1 × 500HP Compound steam (1902–1949) 1 × EMD 567 Main Diesel engine, 2 × Detroit 2-71 Diesel DC Generators (1949–)
Propulsion	Single screw
Speed	13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph) max
Crew	4–12

The Jupiter is an American tugboat with a long history. It was built in Philadelphia in 1902. The company Neafie & Levy constructed it for the Standard Oil Company of New York. At first, its name was Socony No. 14.

In 1939, the tugboat was sold to the Independent Pier Company. This is when it got its current name, Jupiter.

Jupiter and the USS New Jersey

The Jupiter played a special role in December 1942. It helped when the huge battleship USS New Jersey was launched. Tugboats like Jupiter are very strong. They help move large ships in tight spaces.

Seventy-five years later, Jupiter took part in a special event. This event celebrated the battleship's launch. It also remembered the attack on Pearl Harbor from a year before.

Changes and Retirement

In 1949, the Jupiter got a big upgrade. Its original steam engine was replaced. A new diesel engine was installed in Baltimore. This made the tugboat more modern and efficient.

After many years of work, Jupiter retired in 1999. It was then sold to the Penn's Landing Corporation.

Jupiter Today

Today, the Jupiter is a Museum ship. It is cared for by the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. They work to keep the tugboat in good condition.

The Jupiter is now used for tourism. People can visit it and learn about its history. It helps everyone understand what tugboats do. It also shows how important they are to harbors and shipping.