Bouchard Orders Articulated Tug Barge from VT Halter

VT Halter Marine, Inc., Pascagoula, Miss., announced a new contract to build an Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) unit with an option unit for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. (Bouchard).

The barge will measure 625 x 91 x47 ft., has a 250,000-barrel capacity, and will be used to transport liquid petroleum. It will be ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service.

The 10,000hp twin screw ATB tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, and will be equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.

Construction of the unit begins April 2013 at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula facility, with delivery scheduled for mid 2015. This unit will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y.

“We are pleased to enter into this contract with VT Halter Marine for the construction of the ATB M/V Bouchard Boys and B.No.270, with an option for the construction of a second unit," said Morton S. Bouchard III, President & CEO, Bouchard Transportation. "The Bouchard Boys & B.No.270 will compliment Bouchard’s growing gulf coast fleet and further our ongoing commitment to the Jones Act. Bouchard is pleased to have chosen VT Halter Marine for this project due to our long relationship and history of successful projects.”