The Maritime Administration recently approved in principle an application from Linden, Inc., New Orleans, La., for a Title XI guarantee to aid in financing the construction of three 2,500-hp tug/supply vessels.

Built by Zigler Shipyards, Jennings, La., and delivered earlier this year, the 165-foot vessels are designed primarily for commercial use in support of offshore oil and natural gas exploration and production. The approved guarantee is for $7,929,000, or up to 87½ percent of the vessels' depreciated actual cost.