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Donna News

21 Sep 2023

USS Fallujah Keel 'Truly and Fairly Laid'"

Ingalls welder Seveta Gray welds the initials of Donna Berger onto the keel plaque that will be permanently part of Fallajuh (LHA 9). Left to right, HII President & Chief Executive Officer Chris Kastner, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Bligh, Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson, Under Secretary of the Navy Erik Raven, and Ship Sponsor Donna Berger  - Credit: HII

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division authenticated the keel on Wednesday for the America-class amphibious ship Fallujah (LHA 9).The ship’s 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 “truly and fairly laid.”During the authentication ceremony, Ingalls welder Seveta Gray welded the initials of the sponsor onto a ceremonial keel plate that will remain with


07 Sep 2023

Four Former US Navy Officers Cleared in Fat Leonard Case Due to Prosecutor Misconduct

© de Art / Adobe Stock

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 punishment


14 Jul 2023

New Ferry Enters Service for SeaLink in Queensland

(Photo: Incat Crowther)

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-East


22 Jun 2023

Experts Raised Safety Concerns About Missing Titanic Submersible in 2018

(File image: OceanGate

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 (13


20 Dec 2022

Earthquake Offshore California Knocks Out Power for Thousands

©U.S. Geological Survey

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.

03 Mar 2021

Post-Brexit Troubles Spell More Job Losses for UK Fishing Sector

© Alan / Adobe Stock

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.

08 Jul 2020

Corps Continues Legacy of Dredging at Port of Alaska

The Westport, a red and white hopper dredge operated by Manson Construction, dredges near the Port of Alaska on April 3, 2019. From May 1 to Nov. 1 each year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removes built-up sediment from the seafloor near the Port of Alaska to maintain shipping channels and dock access. An estimated 50 percent of all goods entering Alaska come through this port. (Photo: U.S. Army)

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 – Alaska District contracted to maintain the mooring areas for the past three years.An estimated 2,400 to 2,600 cargo containers arrive


15 Apr 2020

Clean-up Crews Tackle Valdez Marine Terminal Oil Spill

© Tomasz Wozniak / Adobe Stock

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.

13 Jun 2018

#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 BTC’s 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 “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t.

02 May 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Tugboat Graffitti

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.

28 Mar 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

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 “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t. 516-810-7405.

01 Dec 2017

Bouchard's Fleet Expansion Continues

(Photo: Bouchard)

Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. announced the new construction of ATB unit M/V Evening Breeze and Barge B. No. 252, which adds to the company’s 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.

20 Nov 2017

Bouchard Set to Celebrate a Century

(Photo: Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.)

In 2018 one of the U.S. premier vessel owners – Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. (BTC) – celebrates its 100th year in business. Maritime Reporter looks at BTC’s 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 company’s first cargo was a shipment of coal, and its first oil barge was acquired in 1931.

06 Dec 2016

Interview: Morton S. Bouchard III Pulls No Punches

Morton S. Bouchard III (Photo: Coast Guard Foundation)

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 nation’s 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.

08 Oct 2016

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 Penn’s 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 ceremony’s principal address.

19 Aug 2016

Focus on Safety, Future Drive Operator Success

Barge No. 272, looking back towards M/V Donna J. Bouchard during the Christening Ceremony in New Orleans, LA, February, 2016. (Photo: Bouchard)

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. “I don’t think there is any magic formula,” says Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum services, Crowley Marine Solutions. “The difference is that everything we work on regards providing a high quality of service to customers, pays off. In a rising market, it’s easy to do well.

28 Jul 2016

ATB Design Comes of Age

Kim M. Bouchard / B. No. 270 (Credit: Guarino & Cox)

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.

09 Jun 2016

VT Halter Delivers ATB Tug for Bouchard

M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, a 6,000hp Twin Screw ATB tug, during sea trials (Photo: VT Halter Marine)

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 shipbuilder’s 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 contract’s first vessel, MV Morton S. Bouchard Jr., on February 1, 2016. Both vessels were built to join Bouchard Transportation’s fleet for servicing the coastwise trade.

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.

19 Feb 2016

Bouchard's Newest ATB Christened in New Orleans

Photo: Bouchard Transportation Co.

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.

19 Jan 2016

Eastern, Harvey Gulf Launch MV Harvey Stone

MV Harvey Stone (Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group)

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 Eastern’s Allanton facility with hundreds of Eastern employees, several representatives from Harvey Gulf and guests in attendance. Deacon Tim Warner of Saint John’s Catholic Church of Panama City, Fla., performed the blessing of the vessel.

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.

17 Feb 2016

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.