VT Halter Launches Another ATB Tug for Bouchard
M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. 6,000hp Twin Screw ATB tug (Photos: VT Halter)
M/V Donna J. Bouchard 10,000hp Twin Screw ATB tug (Photo: VT Halter)
Shipbuilder VT Halter Marine, Inc. and Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. announced the launch of M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr., a 6,000hp Twin Screw Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) tug, on October 29, 2015.
The M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. is part of a two-vessel contract awarded to the shipyard in August 2014. M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. and M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, are being constructed at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Mississippi, with delivery expected in January 2016 and May 2016, respectively. The vessels will enter into Bouchard Transportation’s fleet service in New York, N.Y.
Measuring 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet, these 6,000hp Twin Screw ATB tugs are classed by ABS as A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C. Upon completion, both tugs will be equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.
The October 29 launch marks the second for Bouchard Transportation’s vessel by VT Halter Marine in as many months: M/V Donna J. Bouchard, a 10,000hp Twin Screw ATB tug, was launched at the Moss Point Marine facility on September 15, 2015.
M/V Donna J. Bouchard, is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, is also equipped with Intercon Coupler System. She will be paired with ATB barge B.No.272, which is currently under construction at the VT Halter Marine Pascagoula Shipyard facility in Pascagoula, Mississippi. This will be the second ATB unit built for Bouchard Transportation as part of its expansion program.
Morton S. Bouchard III, president and CEO of Bouchard Transportation, said, “The launching of the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. is a special event within the Bouchard Family, for the vessel is named after the father of President/CEO, Morton S. Bouchard III, who wanted his father’s name to always remain on the waterfront for which he dedicated his entire life to. The original tug, Morton S Bouchard Jr., which was also built by Halter, was earlier renamed as The Bouchard Boys and continues to operate with Bouchard Fleet.”
“The successful launching of both vessels, the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. today and the M/V Donna J. Bouchard in September is an indication of the commitment to the continued relationship with Bouchard Transportation,” said Jack Prendergast, CEO of VT Halter Marine.
