Gunderson Marine Launches Second of Railroad Barge Trio
Gunderson, Inc. launched the second in a series of what are reportedly three of the largest barges ever built for the maritime industry. Named Fairbanks Provider, the 420- x 100- x 24-ft. barge is being built for Alaska Railbelt Marine for service between Seattle, Wash. and Alaska. Equipped with a RoRo feature for easy cargo handling, the barge will carry the railroad freight cars and cargo in service between Seattle and Whittier, Alaska for the Alaska Railroad.
Gunderson Signs Duo Barge Contract
Gunderson, Inc. a subsidiary of The Greenbrier Companies has received two new barge orders to be built at the company's Portland, Ore. facility for a 2000 delivery. The larger of the two hulls, a giant ocean-going barge is being constructed for Alaska Railbelt Marine, a subsidiary of Lynden Inc. The largest vessel to be built by Gunderson in two decades, it will combine a railcar and deck cargo barge measuring 400 x 100 x 24 ft. (121.9 x 30.4 x 7.3 m) with a deck load capacity of 3,350 lbs. per sq. ft. The barge will be utilized in dredging service along the Pacific Coast from California to Alaska.
Hydralift Skeg Use Gaining Speed
A device that increases the efficiency of barges is gaining in popularity on the West Coast, especially for Seattle to Alaska and Southeast Alaska runs. Many people report that Hydralift skegs substantially increase the efficiency of towed barges. This results in either increased towing speed or reduced fuel consumption because the horsepower required to tow at the same speed decreases. The Lynden Companies, Alaska Railbelt Marine (ARM) and Alaska Marine Lines (AML), have several barges with Hydralift skegs and another currently under construction. They are using the barges on Seattle to Alaska runs and runs within Southeast Alaska. Western Towboat Company, Inc., which does all the towing for ARM and AML, has two gravel barges with Hydralift skegs themselves.
