Katmai Bay, namesake of an area of saltwater shoreline in the Katmai National Park and Preserve of Alaska, is the lead ship of a class of icebreakingtugboats designed to have greater multi-mission capabilities than the 110' Calumet-class Harbor Tug (WYTM). The most significant differences include greater horsepower, greater speed, longer range, increased ice-breaking capability, hull lubrication system, greater degree of automation, and better habitability.[1]
Trials were conducted in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, Michigan which determined that the ship has a tactical diameter of approximately three ship lengths when using 30 degrees rudder and that the ship could stop in 40 seconds with a reach of four ship lengths from an approach speed of 12.8 knots (23.7 km/h; 14.7 mph) when ordering full astern power. The ship can obtain a speed of 14.7 knots (27.2 km/h; 16.9 mph).[1]