USS Fallujah Keel 'Truly and Fairly Laid'"
HIIâs Ingalls Shipbuilding division authenticated the keel on Wednesday for the America-class amphibious ship Fallujah (LHA 9).The shipâs sponsor, Donna Berger, former first lady of the Marine Corps and spouse of Gen. David H. Berger, 38th commandant of the Marine Corps, was in attendance to declare the keel âtruly and fairly laid.âDuring the authentication ceremony, Ingalls welder Seveta Gray welded the initials of the sponsor onto a ceremonial keel plate that will remain withâŠ
Four Former US Navy Officers Cleared in Fat Leonard Case Due to Prosecutor Misconduct
Four former U.S. Navy officers charged in a massive bribery scandal linked to the man known as Fat Leonard were cleared of felony charges on Wednesday by a judge citing prosecutor misconduct.U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino said in a sentencing hearing that prosecutors' conduct "can only be described as outrageous," the San Diego Union-Tribune reported from the courthouse. After the felony charges were cleared, the four former officers each pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor with only a $100 fine as punishmentâŠ
New Ferry Enters Service for SeaLink in Queensland
A new 24-meter passenger ferry designed by Incat Crowther and built by Norman R. Wright & Sons has begun servicing a busy passenger route for commuter and tourism ferry operator SeaLink South-East Queensland. The new Incat Crowther 24, named Talwurrapin, began operating on the Redland Bay to Russell Island route in the Moreton Bay region in late January 2023, providing a vital connection between the mainland and Russell Island.Incat Crowther said it worked with SeaLink South-EastâŠ
Experts Raised Safety Concerns About Missing Titanic Submersible in 2018
Experts raised safety concerns in 2018 about the submersible vessel that has been missing since Sunday, when it descended with tourists on a deep ocean journey to view the wreckage of the Titanic.The pilot and four passengers are aboard and the available oxygen on the vehicle has been forecast to run out by Thursday morning.The Titan submersible is a 22-foot (6.7-meter)-long vessel operated by Everett, Washington-based OceanGate Expeditions. It first made a voyage dive to 4,000 meters (13âŠ
Earthquake Offshore California Knocks Out Power for Thousands
A strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern California on Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, leaving thousands without power.The earthquake, which struck at 2:34 a.m. (1034 GMT), was about 10 miles (16.1 km) deep, USGS said, and struck about 7.4 (12 km) west-southwest of Ferndale, California, a Humboldt County town about a four-hour drive north of San Francisco.Local media and others on social media reported there were numerous gas leaks, powerlines down, and at least one structure fire in Ferndale.
Post-Brexit Troubles Spell More Job Losses for UK Fishing Sector
Britain could lose more jobs in its fishing sector if the current delays and increased costs involved in exporting to the EU post-Brexit are not ironed out soon, industry groups told British government officials on Tuesday.Speaking at an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee inquiry, representatives of Britain's fishing sector said small to medium-sized enterprises were especially at risk and called on the government to urgently negotiate new export rules with the EU."(Even) if we get (export) systems sorted, we will still have cost implications.
Corps Continues Legacy of Dredging at Port of Alaska
All summer long, a crimson and white boat moves back and forth through the waters near the Port of Alaska collecting silt, sand and gravel off the seafloor to allow vessels to navigate the harbor in Anchorage. The boat is a dredging vessel called the Westport, operated by Manson Construction of Seattle, Wash., which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers â Alaska District contracted to maintain the mooring areas for the past three years.An estimated 2,400 to 2,600 cargo containers arriveâŠ
Clean-up Crews Tackle Valdez Marine Terminal Oil Spill
Clean-up crews were working to contain an oil spill at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System's (TAPS) Valdez Marine Terminal, officials said on Wednesday, but the volume spilled was not preventing tankers from loading at the site.A sump overflow spilled oil into the water at the terminal on Sunday night. By Wednesday, clean-up crews had recovered 574 barrels (24,108 gallons) of an oil-water mix, authorities said.A team composed of system operator Alyeska Pipeline Service Co, the U.S.
#BTC100 History
In 1990, Richie Bates (pictured) joined Bouchard Transportation as a mate on the Ellen S. Bouchard, and soon rose to Captain of the Morton S. Bouchard Jr. in 1994. As one of BTCâs long-standing employees, Capt. Bates currently serves as Captain of the M/V Donna J. Bouchard, and leads his crew with a laser focus on always delivering petroleum products safely and efficiently. The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special âBouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Yearsâ magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t.
#BTC100 History
2016 brought about another milestone within Bouchard Transportation Co. with the appointment of Danielle Bouchard as Director of Communications. As the daughter of Morton S. Bouchard III, and the fifth generation to enter the family business, Danielle also holds the distinction of being the first female family member to hold an active role in the Company. Most importantly, BTC continues to expand its fleet with the christening of the ATB unit M/V Donna J. Bouchard and B. No 272 in New Orleans, and the ATB tugs M/V Frederick Bouchard and M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. entering service.
#BTC100 History
In 2010, Bouchard Transportation Co. begins investing in a major fleet expansion plan to construct the safest, most fuel-efficient and technologically advanced ATBs to be traded within the Jones Act Market. This includes the M/V Kim M. Bouchard and B. No 270 (pictured), and the M/V Donna J. Bouchard and B. No. 272. The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special âBouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Yearsâ magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t. 516-810-7405.
Bouchard's Fleet Expansion Continues
Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. announced the new construction of ATB unit M/V Evening Breeze and Barge B. No. 252, which adds to the companyâs fleet expansion plan that began in 2012. The M/V Evening Breeze is being constructed in Pascagoula, Miss. by VT Halter Marine, Inc., and is the sister vessel to ATB tugs M/V Denise A. Bouchard and M/V Evening Star. The Evening Breeze will be 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. The B. No.
Bouchard Set to Celebrate a Century
In 2018 one of the U.S. premier vessel owners â Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. (BTC) â celebrates its 100th year in business. Maritime Reporter looks at BTCâs evolution through the years. The year 2018 is a celebration year for the Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., which was founded in 1918 in New York Harbor by Capt. Frederick Bouchard, and will next year celebrate a century in business. The companyâs first cargo was a shipment of coal, and its first oil barge was acquired in 1931.
Interview: Morton S. Bouchard III Pulls No Punches
Morton S. Bouchard III pulls no punches discussing the maritime business and the spate of over-regulation infecting U.S. industry. Morton S. Bouchard III has served as President of Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., the nationâs largest independently-owned oceangoing petroleum barge company, since 1996 and CEO since 1999, the fourth generation of the Bouchard family to helm the company since its incorporation in 1918. The Bouchard name is iconic in North American maritime circles, and Mr.
Navy to Commission Amphibious Transport Dock John P. Murtha
The Navy will commission the amphibious transport dock ship John P. Murtha (LPD 26), Saturday, Oct. 8, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Pennâs Landing in Philadelphia. The ship is named in honor of John P. Murtha, who served his country both as a Marine and in the halls of congress. Murtha served in the Marine Corps for 37 years and saw service in the Korean War and in Vietnam, a tour that earned him the Bronze Star with Valor device, two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Murtha represented Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District from 1974 until his death in 2010. The Honorable Nancy Pelosi will deliver the ceremonyâs principal address.
Focus on Safety, Future Drive Operator Success
The hallmarks of a successful vessel operator are the same whether they are carrying liquid, physical or human cargo: A laser focus on safety, a twin commitment to customers and crew, and the vision to embrace and invest in the future. However obvious the bar, it is not easy to meet. âI donât think there is any magic formula,â says Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum services, Crowley Marine Solutions. âThe difference is that everything we work on regards providing a high quality of service to customers, pays off. In a rising market, itâs easy to do well.
ATB Design Comes of Age
The emerging trend of marrying the design of an articulated tug and barge (ATB) to a particular propulsion system to maximize efficiencies of that system has, of late, been taking hold in workboat markets. For example, one recent project involving a dynamic partnership between Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc, Guarino & Cox, LLC (GCL) naval architects, Nautican Research & Development Ltd., integrated propulsion unit manufacturers, and VT Halter Marine shipbuilders, aptly demonstrates the concept in practice. What the collaboration produced, is even more important.
VT Halter Delivers ATB Tug for Bouchard
VT Halter Marine, Inc. has delivered the 6,000hp Twin Screw Articulated (ATB) tug, MV Frederick E. Bouchard, to owner Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. at the shipbuilderâs facilities in Pascagoula, Miss. on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The delivery, which culminates a two-vessel contract awarded by Bouchard Transportation to VT Halter Marine in August 2014, follows the delivery of the contractâs first vessel, MV Morton S. Bouchard Jr., on February 1, 2016. Both vessels were built to join Bouchard Transportationâs fleet for servicing the coastwise trade.
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 ïA1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.
Bouchard's Newest ATB Christened in New Orleans
Bouchard Transportation Co. celebrated the naming of the M/V Donna J. Bouchard and the B. No. 272 at the christening ceremony held on Thursday, February 18 in New Orleans. The ceremony began with remarks from Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. President/CEO, Morton S. Bouchard III, followed by VT Halter Marine and ExxonMobil/SeaRiver Maritime. Vessel sponsor Joan Lesniewski, wife of Robert Lesniewski of ExxonMobil/SeaRiver Maritime, performed the ceremonious breaking of the champagne bottles as executives from Bouchard, VT Halter Marine and several of Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.
Eastern, Harvey Gulf Launch MV Harvey Stone
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. announced the launch of the M/V Harvey Stone (Hull 234) on December 18, 2015 for Harvey Gulf International Marine, LLC of New Orleans. The Harvey Stone is a Rampage 6400 multipurpose field support vessel (MPFSV), designed by Robert Allan, LTD of Vancouver, B.C. The launching event was held at Easternâs Allanton facility with hundreds of Eastern employees, several representatives from Harvey Gulf and guests in attendance. Deacon Tim Warner of Saint Johnâs Catholic Church of Panama City, Fla., performed the blessing of the vessel.
VT Halter Delivers ATB Tug to Bouchard
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.
AgTC Members Speak Out on SOLAS Amendment
Tomorrow, five prominent members of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) will explain the major detrimental impact that the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Container Weight Documentation Amendment will have on the US agriculture and forest products export industry. The amendment is scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2016. The Agriculture Transportation Coalition's SOLAS Container Weights Working Committee, comprised of U.S. agriculture and forest products exporters and their freight forwarders and trucking companies, has been active on this issue for months, reaching out to the steamship lines, Federal Maritime Commission, U.S. Coast Guard, and Congress to draw attention to the significant problems this amendment poses to the industry.