Are you familiar with the location shown in this image?

We actually have a Federal Hill Shipyard Forum along with this one and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime forum.

Please encourage those who knew about or perhaps even worked at one of the Federal Hill shipyards to share their experiences with us here on the forums.

The fuzzy stuff that you remember hanging on the tugboats was probably unravelled rope made to be used as bumpers. Most of this fuzzy fender material was called pudding and were usually placed up front on the tug's bow. The line (usually old and unservicable rope) was also applied over various shapes in macromae [sp?] into some very interesting (and fancy) knot work shapes and used as side fenders.

Tnx for posting. I'll alert Valerie to your request.

Toot!, Toot! and a Heave Ho!
Walt