Vigor Completes Conversion of Barge Klamath

Vigor Marine, a Vigor Industrial subsidiary, recently completed work on Barge Klamath, converting the vessel from a petroleum tank barge to an OSVR measuring 350’ x 76’ x 22’. The barge is owned by Crowley and leased to Shell as part of its comprehensive Alaskan oil spill response fleet in the Beaufort and Chuckchi seas.
“Vigor’s extensive expertise in ice classing vessels for arctic waters, combined with the geographic proximity of their facilities, has made them a strong partner for Shell’s planned offshore operations in Alaska,” said Curtis Smith, spokesman for Shell Alaska.
The Klamath was a petroleum tank barge when it arrived at Vigor’s Seattle yard. Vigor Marine teams fabricated and installed a 30 foot high section of one inch plate steel around the rake of the vessel to meet stringent ice class requirements. In the highly unlikely event of an oil spill, Klamath will play a key role in skimming and booming a spill.
“It’s a pleasure to work with both Crowley and Shell on the Alaskan fleet,” said Vigor Marine Project Manager Gordon Newell. “Both companies have a deep commitment to protecting the environment and operating quality vessels that will help ensure a safe exploratory drilling program. We are proud to be a part of that effort on this project and others currently underway at Vigor.”