Bollinger Re-Delivers ATB to Bouchard

Bollinger Algiers, L.L.C., and Bollinger Amelia Repair, L.L.C., two Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. companies, have redelivered the double hull asphalt Barge B. No. 235, a 133,000 barrel (BBL) Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA’90) compliant tank barge and accompanying tug, J. George Betz, a 6140 horsepower oceangoing tug, back into service for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., Melville, NY as an Articulated Tug/Barge (ATB) unit.

In an effort to continue upgrading their fleet, Bouchard contracted with Bollinger Shipyards to upgrade both the tank barge B. No. 235 and the oceangoing Tug J. George Betz to better serve Bouchard’s customer base, increasing the safety and efficiencies of the barge and tug as an articulated unit.

The Barge B. No 235 was taken out of service and delivered to Bollinger’s Amelia facility to install the Intercon connection system and upgrade the barge with a full ballast system. During the conversion process, the barge also completed its regulatory docking and permitting process prior to successfully completing builder’s trials. Returning to full service as an ATB asphalt capable tank barge, the barge measures 483 ft by 80 ft by 36.2 ft without the tug coupled into the notch.

At the same time that the Barge B. No 235 was taken out of service, the accompanying tug, J. George Betz, was delivered to the Bollinger Algiers facility to install the Intercon connection system, upgrade the vessels electronics systems as well as complete regulatory docking and permitting with The American Bureau of Shipping.  When returned to service, the 127-ft by 37-ft by 20-ft, 6140 bhp tug will be able to lock into the barge for safe, efficient sailing as an articulated unit.

After completing builder’s trials, the vessels departed to take on its first load of product as an ATB unit.