Trinity Marine Hosts Launching Ceremony

Trinity Marine Products held a barge launching ceremony on February 14 at its Madisonville, La., barge-building facility. This Barge Launch marks the completion of the first tank barge manufactured by Trinity Marine Products for Marathon Ashland Petroleum, LLC, as part of a new 5-year contract between the 2 companies. Local dignitaries and representatives from both companies will be on hand for the event. Trinity Marine Products signed a 5-year contract with Marathon Ashland Petroleum in July 2002. Six barges will be completed in 2003, with an option to manufacture nine additional tank barges by 2006. Marathon will use the barges for transporting refined petroleum products. Paul Mauer, president Trinity Marine Products, stated, "It is with great pride that we launch this barge for Marathon Ashland Petroleum. We value and appreciate the work that will come to the Madisonville community as a result of this contract and look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with MAP." “This agreement with Trinity Industries provides MAP with the ability to continue the process of upgrading its fleet with new state-of-the-art tank barges”, explains Jerry C. Welch, MAP senior vice president Transportation & Logistics. “MAP is committed to a ‘Best in Class’ marine operation as demonstrated by its current fleet of 150 double-hulled barges. MAP’s use of river transportation has been an important part of its business history and the construction of these new tank barges over the next five years will continue that tradition.”