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Fleet Service News

12 Feb 2020

Titan Acquires HII's San Diego Shipyard

(U.S. Navy photo by Adam Ross)

One the United States' largest fleet service and ship repair sites is changing hands.Ship repair and commercial- and defense-related fabrication services provider Titan Acquisition Holdings announced on Wednesday it has reached a deal to acquire San Diego Shipyard from Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction, expected to close in the second quarter, is subject to customary closing conditions.The San Diego Shipyard, formerly Continental Maritime of San Diego…

15 Mar 2019

Bouchard Takes Delivery of Yet another ATB Unit

M/V Evening Breeze

Bouchard Transportation Co. announced the delivery of ATB unit M/V Evening Breeze and Barge No. 252 (B. No. 252), respectively, from VT Halter Marine Inc. (VT Halter Marine) and Bollinger Shipyards.M/V Evening Breeze left VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula Shipyard facility on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, and will meet and pair up with B. No. 252 before sailing to join Bouchard’s fleet service in New York.The Evening Breeze is 4,000hp meeting U.S. EPA-Tier 4 requirements, measuring 112 feet by 35 feet by 17 feet, and equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.

11 Sep 2018

VT Halter to Build ATB Tug for Bouchard

The new tug will be a sister vessel to the Denise A. Bouchard, pictured (Photo: VT Halter Marine)

Mississippi shipbuilder VT Halter Marine, Inc. said it has secured a new contract to build an articulated tug barge (ATB) tug with an option for a second vessel for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.Construction of the new vessel, M/V Evening Stroll, begins immediately at the builder’s Pascagoula, Miss. shipyard, with delivery scheduled for December 2019. This vessel will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y to transport liquid petroleum products throughout the…

18 Jul 2017

Z-Drive Collaboration on the Inland Waterways Expands

American Commercial Barge Line’s leadership and early adoption of ZF Marine’s z-drive propulsion technology underscores a growing trend on the inland waterways. American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) has been around a long time – since 1915, to be exact – and along the way has developed into one of the dominant players in the inland marine transportation industry. With a passion for safety and a green footprint, ACBL has always embraced technology and innovation. That point was obvious when it made the decision to outfit at least 15 of its towboats with ZF Marine’s Z-drive systems. The Z-Drive installations are but a small part of a $500 million fleet and equipment investment that ACBL has undertaken over the course of the last five years.

13 Jul 2016

Elcome Scores Service Agreements in the Middle East

Marine technologies and system integrator Elcome International has signed fleet service agreements with two major ship operators in the Middle East, the company announced today. Elcome will provide shore-based maintenance and service for navigation, automation and electrical systems for 45 crude and product tankers operated by a Dubai-based shipping company under a three-year contract. The scope of work will include periodic inspections, performance and health checks, routine overhauling and repairs. In addition, Elcome has signed an annual maintenance agreement for navigation and communication systems for 20 ships operated by an Abu Dhabi-based shipping company.

11 Jun 2016

Moore Assumes Command of NAVSEA

Vice Adm. Thomas J. Moore relieved Vice Adm. William H. Hilarides as commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) during a June 10 ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. Moore graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in math and operations analysis. He holds a degree in information systems management from The George Washington University as well as a Master of Science and an engineer's degree in nuclear engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since 2011, Moore has headed Program Executive Office Carriers where he led the Ford-class aircraft carrier program, as well as the maintenance, modernization and inactivation of carriers in fleet service.

09 Apr 2016

VT Halter Launches Tug for Bouchard

VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine), a company of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), announces the launch of the M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, at its Moss Point Marine Shipyard Facility in Escatawpa, Mississippi on Thursday, March 31, 2016. M/V Frederick E. Bouchard is the second of two 6,000hp Twin Screw Articulated (ATB) tugs constructed for Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. (Bouchard Transportation) under a two-vessel contract awarded to VT Halter Marine in August 2014. Both M/V Frederick E. Bouchard and the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. measures, 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet, are classed by ABS as A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.

05 Feb 2016

VT Halter Delivers ATB Tug to Bouchard

M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. on sea trials (Photo: VT Halter Marine)

VT Halter Marine, Inc. announced the delivery of the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr., the first of the two 6,000 horsepower Twin Screw Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) tugs to Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. Measuring 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet, the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. is classed by ABS as +A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. The vessel was launched on October 29, 2015 at the Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Miss. Both M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. and M/V Frederick E.

05 Nov 2015

VT Halter Launches Another ATB Tug for Bouchard

M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr.  6,000hp Twin Screw ATB tug (Photos: VT Halter)

Shipbuilder VT Halter Marine, Inc. and Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. announced the launch of M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr., a 6,000hp Twin Screw Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) tug, on October 29, 2015. The M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. is part of a two-vessel contract awarded to the shipyard in August 2014. M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. and M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, are being constructed at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Mississippi, with delivery expected in January 2016 and May 2016, respectively.

24 Apr 2015

VT Halter Powers Ahead

“The secret of VTHM’s success is our ability to harness existing commercial and defense-related project ‘know-how’ and integrate it with emerging technologies.  Our ability to do government and commercial work in one facility is one of the things that makes VT Halter a little different.”  Bill Skinner, CEO,  VT Halter Marine

If you drive just south of I-10 in Pascagoula, Miss., within 10 minutes you find yourself on the doorstep of VT Halter Marine, arguably one of the more diverse and active shipyards in the U.S. The company, which is a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VTS), operates three facilities in Jackson County, Miss., and today supports about 1,600 full time employees as well as about 1,600 vendors and subcontractors. •    A pair of 250,000 barrel ATBs and a pair of 6,000 hp ATB tugs for Bouchard Transportation, a long-tenured and important client for VT Halter.

04 Mar 2015

VT Halter Launches ATB Tug for Bouchard

ATB tug Kim M. Bouchard (Photo: VT Halter Marine)

VT Halter Marine launched ATB tug Kim M. Bouchard for Bouchard Transportation at Moss Point Marine facility on February 26, 2015. Measuring 150 feet long, the 10,000hp twin screw ATB tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, is equipped with Intercon Coupler Systems, and will pair up with Barge B. No. 270. The barge measures 625 feet by 91 feet by 47 feet and has a 250,000-barrel capacity. Used to transport liquid petroleum, the barge is ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service.

23 Sep 2014

RCN to 'Retire' Four Ships, Procure Replacements

Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), informed a recent news conference that the RCN begins its transition to the future fleet. The four ships to be taken out of service are Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Protecteur and Preserver, two auxiliary oil replenishment ships; and HMC Ships Iroquois and Algonquin, two Iroquois-class guided missile destroyers. The retirement of these vessels has been anticipated for some time and is a step towards the introduction of new ships and capabilities set to be delivered through the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS), as well as recognition of the RCN’s commitment to the responsible use of public funds while maintaining Canada’s naval readiness.

01 Aug 2014

VT Halter to Build Bouchard ATB Tugs

VT Halter Marine, Inc., a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced new contracts to build two 130-foot Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) tugs for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. (Bouchard). Measuring 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet, these 6,000hp Twin Screw ATB tugs will be classed by ABS as A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C, both will be equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Construction of the vessels will begin in 3Q2014 at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Miss., with delivery expected in January 2016 and May 2016. These vessels will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y. “I am happy to share the news of Bouchard Transportation’s fleet expansion,” said Morton S.

30 Jun 2014

Harding Inks Deals with Three Industry Giants

The signing (Credit Harding)

In the past few weeks, Harding, an international supplier of maritime safety equipment, has signed three framework agreements with Statoil, Petrobras and A.P. Møller Mærsk. "This shows that our global strategy of being a complete supplier of both equipment and services was the right strategy for the company," said Styrk Bekkenes, CEO of Harding. Statoil is Harding's biggest client on the Norwegian continental shelf, with over 120 lifeboat systems in operation. Statoil has entered a five-year framework agreement with Harding for the delivery of new lifeboat systems…

11 Jun 2014

Wärtsilä Signs Extensive Services Supply Agreement

Photo courtesy of Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä has signed an extensive three-year services supply agreement with the Norwegian DOF Group in the end of April 2014. The agreement covers services for all Wärtsilä equipment, including engines and propulsion as well as electrical and automation systems, for DOF's vessels with Wärtsilä equipment operating in Norway, Brazil and Singapore. DOF Group is a global company that provides a comprehensive range of purpose-built offshore vessels and subsea services to the offshore oil and gas industry worldwide. The company owns and operates a fleet of 77 vessels.

30 May 2014

VT Halter Marine Delivers Ocean-Going ATB Tug

VT Systems subsidiary VT Halter Marine says it has constructed and delivered the ocean-going 112-ft Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) Tug, 'Denise A. Bouchard', for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc (Bouchard). Measuring 112 feet by 35 feet by 17 feet, the 4,000hp tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Construction of the vessel began in March 2013 and the tug was launched in February 2014, at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Mississippi. The Denise A. Bouchard is the sister vessel to the Evening Star which was delivered in October 2012, and is part of a major Bouchard fleet expansion currently underway at VT Halter Marine.

11 Feb 2014

VT Halter Launches Tug for Bouchard

Denise A. Bouchard (Photo: VT Halter Marine)

VT Halter Marine, Inc., a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today launched the oceangoing 112-foot Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) Tug, Denise A. Bouchard. Measuring 112 feet by 35 feet by 17 feet, the 4,000hp tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Construction of the vessel began in March 2013, and the keel was laid in May 2013 at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Miss.

13 Jan 2014

VT Halter Lays Keel for Barge

VT Halter Marine laid the keel for Barge B No. 270, which is, in part, one of two Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) units being built for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. (Bouchard). The barge measures 625 x 91 x 47 ft. and has a 250,000-barrel capacity and will be used to transport liquid petroleum. The barge is ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service. Construction of the two units began April 2013 at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula facility, with delivery scheduled for mid 2015. VT Halter Marine has also scheduled a February 6, 2014 launch for the ocean going 112-ft. 4000 hp ATB Tug “Denise A. Bouchard”, sister tug to the previously built “Evening Star”. Measuring 112 x 35 x 17 ft., the tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.

05 Aug 2013

MurCal Named as Johnson Matthey SEC Distributor

Johnson Matthey’s Stationary Emissions Control (SEC) group announced the appointment of MurCal , Palmdale, California, as a distributor of Johnson Matthey 3-Way catalyst elements and housings for stationary diesel and gas engines. Steve Clark, Johnson Matthey Sales Manager Systems, said, “MurCal is the premier West Coast distributor of emission control and engine monitoring systems and has a long-standing reputation with its customers as a one-stop shop. Clark said MurCal provides high quality catalytic products and services to stationary engine owners, users and engine fleet service managers. MurCal describes itself as a "Catalyst Service Center…

13 Feb 2013

Bouchard Orders Articulated Tug Barge from VT Halter

VT Halter Marine, Inc., Pascagoula, Miss., announced a new contract to build an Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) unit with an option unit for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. (Bouchard). The barge will measure 625 x 91 x47 ft., has a 250,000-barrel capacity, and will be used to transport liquid petroleum. It will be ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service. The 10,000hp twin screw ATB tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, and will be equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Construction of the unit begins April 2013 at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula facility, with delivery scheduled for mid 2015. This unit will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y.

18 Oct 2012

VT Halter Delivers ATB for Bouchard

VT Halter delivered an ATB for Bouchard Transportation.

VT Halter Marine, Inc. delivered the 112-ft. ATB Offshore Tug, Evening Star, for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., a tug similar to others built for Bouchard in previous years by Halter Marine. Measuring 112 x 35 x 17 ft., the 4,000-hp tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Construction of the vessel began in June 2011 at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Miss. Upon delivery, the Evening Star will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y. “Bouchard Transportation Co, Inc.

10 May 2012

Fugro-Geoteam Opts for Vestdavit Support

Featured vessel is Geo Caspian, one of Fugro’s C-Class vessels

Fugro-Geoteam, with headquarters in Oslo, is one of the world’s larger offshore seismic contractors operating 8 seismic vessels world-wide. Several of the vessels are equipped with as many as five Vestdavit davit systems. Øyvind Norlen, marine superintendent, Fugro, says, “My absolute priority is to keep our fleet operating safely with no injuries, downtime or failures. We use davits to launch and recover work boats and FRCs on a frequent basis. Davits are critical to our operation and to providing a safe working environment for our crews.

06 Feb 2012

Schat-Harding Launches Global Multi-Brand Service

Schat-Harding Service Engineer.

Lifeboat manufacturer and service provider Schat-Harding has widened the range of its global service network to cover multi-brand servicing and the re-hooking of lifeboats. For the first time, shipowners and offshore operators will be able to get most of their lifeboats, hooks, winches and davits serviced by a trained engineer working to the highest global standards, backed by a global service network. They will also be able to use Schat-Harding’s range of modern hooks to replace older models which may no longer meet IMO standards in most boats.

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