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Bouchard Transportation Co News

05 Apr 2021

Bouchard Pays $375,000 to Whistleblower

A Corpus Christi Fire Department vessel extinguishes a fire on board Buster Bouchard/B. No. 255 approximately three miles from the Port Aransas, Texas, jetties on October 20, 2017. (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. and three former and current management officials from the Long Island-based petroleum barge company have paid $375,000 in restitution to the brother of one of two seamen killed in a 2017 barge explosion off Port Aransas, Texas.The seaman alleged the company fired him for cooperating with investigators and reporting safety concerns to the U.S. Coast Guard following the deadly blast on board Buster Bouchard/B. No. 255. The National Transportation…

17 Mar 2020

Bouchard Says All Back Pay Processed

(File photo: Bouchard)

Bouchard Transportation Co. reports all back pay has been processed as the company continues to work to raise capital that would allow it to return its vessels to service, the company's president and CEO Morton S. Bouchard III said Tuesday in a letter to staff, customers and vendors.The full letter is below:To Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. Valued Staff, Customers and Vendors:On Monday, March 16, 2020 Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. as agent on behalf of the individual vessel corporations is pleased to announce that all back pay has been processed. Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.

17 Apr 2019

The Enduring, Iconic U.S. Flag ATB Model

The view from the Bouchard Boardroom and … beyond.The roots of the now familiar and reliable articulated tug and barge (ATB) business are deep and stretch all the way back to the 1800’s. Along the way, various patents to connect a tug and a barge with a secure mechanical connection were filed. The concept began to gather momentum in the late 1960’s when Edwin Fletcher with ARTUBAR, and the Bludworth family of flexible pushing systems were pioneering efforts to marry the economies of pushing with the safety and seakeeping inherent in mechanically linking the tug and barge at sea. Other systems were developed and tried; not all were successful.As a baseline…

15 Mar 2019

Bouchard Takes Delivery of Yet another ATB Unit

M/V Evening Breeze

Bouchard Transportation Co. announced the delivery of ATB unit M/V Evening Breeze and Barge No. 252 (B. No. 252), respectively, from VT Halter Marine Inc. (VT Halter Marine) and Bollinger Shipyards.M/V Evening Breeze left VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula Shipyard facility on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, and will meet and pair up with B. No. 252 before sailing to join Bouchard’s fleet service in New York.The Evening Breeze is 4,000hp meeting U.S. EPA-Tier 4 requirements, measuring 112 feet by 35 feet by 17 feet, and equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.

04 Jan 2019

Bouchard Barge Gets Major Overhaul

M/V Bouchard Girls & B. No. 295 (Photo: Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.)

Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. announced Friday that one of its barges has ended its shipyard period after completing a major overhaul.The work was performed at Gulf Marine Repair in Tampa, Fl. She left the shipyard earlier this week.Bouchard Barge No. 295 (B. No. 295) left Gulf Marine Repair in Tampa, Fla. earlier this week following an extensive scope of repair and upgrade work, a Bouchard spokesperson told MarineLink.Approximately 90 percent of the the barge’s main deck plate has been replaced…

09 Nov 2018

VT Halter Marine Launches Bouchard ATB Tug

The ocean-going petroleum barge company Bouchard Transportation said that ATB tug M/V Evening Breeze was launched at US-based medium-sized ships builder VT Halter Marine's Pascagoula shipyard.The launch of the M/V Evening Breeze marks a milestone achievement in Bouchard’s most recent expansion efforts; with the launch of sister ATB tug M/V Evening Stroll not far behind.Bouchard’s Safety First philosophy remains at the forefront of their operation, and is powerfully supported through VT Halter Marine, Inc.’s ability to help advance their fleet with the most innovative technologies.Bouchard is dedicated to offering a safe work environment for their crew and a reliable service to their customers…

30 Oct 2018

Shipbuilding: ST Engineering Wins $311m in Contracts

ST Engineering reports that its marine sector won $311m worth of shipbuilding/repair contracts in the third quarter alone, including options for its shipbuilding business, as well as the ship and rig repair segments for progressive deliveries at its yards in Singapore and the US. In the US, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded its US shipyard a contract, including options worth $244m for the detailed design and construction (DD&C) of two firm and up to four optional Auxiliary Personnel Lighter Small APL Class Berthing Barges. The anticipated delivery periods of the two firm vessels are in the second and third quarter of 2020, respectively.

11 Sep 2018

VT Halter to Build ATB Tug for Bouchard

The new tug will be a sister vessel to the Denise A. Bouchard, pictured (Photo: VT Halter Marine)

Mississippi shipbuilder VT Halter Marine, Inc. said it has secured a new contract to build an articulated tug barge (ATB) tug with an option for a second vessel for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.Construction of the new vessel, M/V Evening Stroll, begins immediately at the builder’s Pascagoula, Miss. shipyard, with delivery scheduled for December 2019. This vessel will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y to transport liquid petroleum products throughout the…

26 Jun 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

In 2016, Bouchard Transportation Co. partnered with SUNY Maritime College to privately host the required USCG Leadership & Managerial Skills Course for all BTC Tug Captains & Chief Engineers. Following course completion, all Tug Captains then received a full day of simulator training at the Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. Tug & Barge Simulation Center at SUNY Maritime College. Proper training and education remains of vital importance to BTC, and ensures a constant safe operation for vessel crews and customers alike.

19 Jun 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

In 1993, Bouchard Transportation Co. christened the B. No. 230, which was the first double-hulled barge to enter service in the United States. Joined together for this milestone celebration was (pictured left to right): Mr. John Dane III, former President/CEO, Halter Marine Group Inc.; Mr. Gerhard Kurz, former President, Mobil Shipping and Transportation Company (MOSAT), a Mobil Oil-affiliated company; and Mr. Morton S. Bouchard Jr., former Chairman, BTC. The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co.

13 Jun 2018

#BTC100 History

In 1990, Richie Bates (pictured) joined Bouchard Transportation as a mate on the Ellen S. Bouchard, and soon rose to Captain of the Morton S. Bouchard Jr. in 1994. As one of BTC’s long-standing employees, Capt. Bates currently serves as Captain of the M/V Donna J. Bouchard, and leads his crew with a laser focus on always delivering petroleum products safely and efficiently. The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t.

05 Jun 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Patrick Conlin

Longtime employee Patrick Conlin begins his tenure in 1968 as a dispatcher at Bouchard Transportation Co., eventually moving up to the company’s head of operations until his retirement in 2010. Conlin also had the privilege of working with Morton S. (“Buster”) Bouchard Sr., and Morton S. Bouchard Jr.—both of whom he credits as “always reinvesting profits in quality equipment for the next generation.” The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine.

29 May 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

The third generation of the Bouchard family continues within the family business as Buster’s sons Morton S. Bouchard Jr. and Frederick E. Bouchard join the company as Dispatchers in 1955. It was also during this time that Bouchard Transportation Co. furthered the tugboat side of its business with the construction of the Evening Star.   The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t. 516-810-7405.

22 May 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Caddell Dry Dock & Repair Co

In 1975, tugboats Bouchard Boys and Evening Light enter service, both at 3,900-hp. It was also during this year that Bouchard Transportation Co. formed its long-standing current relationship with Caddell Dry Dock & Repair Co.—a partnership--to this day--is still based on trust, loyalty and family heritage. The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t. 516-810-7405.

16 May 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

In the late 1960s, Bouchard Transportation Co. wins two very important barge contracts; the first comprises the B. No. 40 and B. No 30 barges to haul jet fuel along the Erie Canal for the U.S. Air Force; the second  was for the company’s B. No. 55 barge to move crude oils in New York Harbor, Long Island Sound, New England, and also South to Philadelphia and Norfolk. The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t.

09 May 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Tugboat Graffiti

In 2017, Bouchard Transportation Co. announced its construction plans for ATB unit M/V Evening Breeze and B. No. 252, which is the sister to ATB unit M/V Evening Star & B. No. 250. These Jones Act vessels will include the newest modifications to the Intercon and pin system, and the most technologically advanced equipment in various spaces that are designed to reduce total emissions. Expected delivery is during the early part of 2019. The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine.

02 May 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Tugboat Graffitti

2016 brought about another milestone within Bouchard Transportation Co. with the appointment of Danielle Bouchard as Director of Communications. As the daughter of Morton S. Bouchard III, and the fifth generation to enter the family business, Danielle also holds the distinction of being the first female family member to hold an active role in the Company. Most importantly, BTC continues to expand its fleet with the christening of the ATB unit M/V Donna J. Bouchard and B. No 272 in New Orleans, and the ATB tugs M/V Frederick Bouchard and M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. entering service.

24 Apr 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

In 2015, Bouchard Transportation Co. appointed Brendan J. Bouchard (son of President & CEO, Morton S. Bouchard III) as the company’s VP of Sales & Operations, firmly establishing the fifth generation of the Bouchard family as being an integral part of the Company. Also that same year, BTC christened ATB unit M/V Kim M. Bouchard and B. No. 270 in New Orleans.The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t. 516-810-7405.

17 Apr 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

In 2014, Bouchard Transportation Co. announces plans to construct two 6,000-hp ATBs: Morton S. Bouchard, Jr. (pictured) and the M/V Frederick Bouchard, which would then enter service in 2016. That same year, the 4,000-hp tug Denise Bouchard enters service.    The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t. 516-810-7405.

10 Apr 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

In 2013, Bouchard Transportation Co., experienced two important company milestones: BTC President/CEO Morton S. Bouchard III is inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame, and the company announces their donation to fund the Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. Tug and Barge Simulation Center at SUNY Maritime College, which officially opens one year later, in 2014. The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t.

22 Mar 2018

#BTC100 History

(Photo: Bouchard Transportation)

In 1992, Bouchard Transportation faced new challenges resulting from the newly enacted Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). Now headed by the fourth-generation Morton S. Bouchard III (Morton S Bouchard Jr.’s son), BTC once again leads the industry as the first company to build several new 138,000 barrel double hull barges, along with technologically advanced 6,140 horsepower tugboats to move these 400+ foot barges. As of 2018, BTC’s B. No. 245 is the first double hull barge of this kind ever built, which is larger than 250,000 barrels.

28 Mar 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

In 2010, Bouchard Transportation Co. begins investing in a major fleet expansion plan to construct the safest, most fuel-efficient and technologically advanced ATBs to be traded within the Jones Act Market. This includes the M/V Kim M. Bouchard and B. No 270 (pictured), and the M/V Donna J. Bouchard and B. No. 272.   The July 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will feature a special “Bouchard Transportation Co. Celebrates 100 Years” magazine. For more information contact: Greg Trauthwein, [email protected], t. 516-810-7405.

04 Apr 2018

#BTC100 History

Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.

In 2011, Bouchard Transportation Co. establishes the Morton S. Bouchard Jr. Memorial Scholarship fund, which is designed to recognize deserving cadets who demonstrate the achievement and leadership ability to successfully pursue a career in the petroleum barge industry. The scholarship has since been formed at SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and Texas A&M University at Galveston.