Alabama Shipyard, Inc. delivered Nicole Leigh Reinauer and RTC 135, an articulated tug/barge (ATB) unit, built for
Reinauer Transportation Companies of New York.
Alabama Shipyard designed the 135,000 barrel, 460-ft. double-hulled barge in compliance with OPA 90 regulations. Bob Hill of Ocean Tug and Barge Engineering designed the 7,200 hp twin-screw 124 ft. tug, built by Alabama Shipyard's sister company, Atlantic Marine.
The ocean-going tug/barge unit features a patented Intercon tug/barge coupler system designed and built by Intercontinental Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation of Kansas City. The system consists of two independently mounted gear-driven ram assemblies which connect the tug and barge. The connection is transversely rigid and mechanically locked, resulting in a vessel that handles like a commercial ship. The tug pushes the barge, resulting in speed advantages of 35 percent or more, compared to traditionally towed barges. The double-hulled
barge design mated to a tug with redundant propulsion provides safeguards for the marine environment.
Additionally, the ABS-classed vessels can be engaged and disengaged without crew on deck.
Vessel Specifications
Tug Nicole Leigh Reinauer
Length: 124 ft.
Beam: 40 ft.
Hull Depth: 22 ft.
Design Draft: 19 ft.
Design Top Speed: 11 knots with fully loaded mating barge
Propulsion Engines: (2) Cat 3612, each rated 3,600 bhp @ 900 rpm
Propellers: (2) Bird-Johnson five-blade stainless steel Workhorse, 120 in. dia.
Auxiliary Engines: (4) Cat 3304B, each 99 ekW @ 1,800 rpm
Barge RTC 135
Capacity: 135,000 bbls
Length: 460 ft.
Beam: 72 ft.
Hull Depth: 41 ft.
Design Draft: 29.5 ft.
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 8,400
Auxiliary Engines: (4) Cat 3406C for pumps, each 462 bhp @ 1,800 rpm
(2) Cat 3304B gen sets, each 99 ekW @ 1,800 rpm
Cat 3304B for hydraulic drives, 156 bhp @ 1,800 rpm