ATB Newbuild Delivered to Kirby Corporation

A second Articulated Tug Barge unit (ATB) Paul McLernan and the 155,000-barrel barge 155-02 for Houston-based tank barge operator Kirby Corporation has been delivered by Sturgeon Bay, Wisc. shipyard Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS), a subsidiary of Fincantieri Marine Group.

Following the delivery of the first ATB in the fall of 2016, the recent delivery completes a contract signed in July 2014. 

“Our contract with Kirby to build a pair of ATBs was significant for our FBS team,” said Todd Thayse, FBS vice president and general manager. “This vessel is expected to exceed performance expectations as her sister vessel has already done over the past year.”

The newly built 6,000-HP tug measures 123’ X 38’ X 22’, is certified ABS Class +A-1 Towing Service, +AMS, and is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communications technology, the builder said.

The 155,000 BBL barge, 521’ X 72’ X 41’, is purpose-built to carry petroleum or chemical cargoes domestically.

Kirby currently operates several ATB units built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in the mid-2000s.