OSG Orders Tank Barge from Gunderson Marine

Portland, Ore. shipbuilder Gunderson Marine announced today that it has secured an order from Tampa. Fla. based energy transportation firm Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) for the construction of a 204,000 barrel capacity tank barge for delivery in the second quarter of 2020. The agreement also includes an option to build a second sister barge which would have a scheduled delivery date during the fourth quarter of 2020.

The state-of-the-art 581' oil and chemical tank barge will be constructed to pair with existing tugs within OSG's current fleet for operation as an articulated tug barge (ATB) unit. OSG intends to register the barge under the U.S. Flag with a coastwise endorsement, allowing it to be employed in Jones Act trades.

The tank barge for dual mode ITB service pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard NVIC 2-81, Change 1 will be constructed to comply with MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 13 Tier III standards regarding nitrogen oxide emissions within emission control areas (ECA).

Today's tank barge agreement follows an order placed by OSG earlier this month for two 50,000 deadweight ton product chemical tankers due for delivery from South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Company during the second half of 2019.

Commenting on the Gunderson deal, Sam Norton, OSG's president and CEO, said, “This transaction represents the first significant new capital investment into our Jones Act businesses in nearly a decade and is an affirmation of our commitment to operate ATBs, as well as tankers, within this market. Following on from the two tanker contracts announced earlier this month, this additional newbuild initiative underscores our leading presence in the U.S. Flag petroleum transportation sector.”

“Our partnership with OSG for new ATB construction builds on Gunderson Marine's strong reputation for providing safe and efficient ocean-going, Jones Act barges for the transportation of petrochemicals, crude oil, refined petroleum products and chemicals," said William A. Furman, chairman and CEO of Gunderson’s parent company Greenbrier. “Operating from the largest side launch on the west coast, Gunderson Marine is the only shipyard in the western United States with successful experience in building ATBs of the type we will deliver to OSG.”

“Gunderson is a great place to work and our agreement with OSG fortifies a strong baseload of business over the next few years,” said Mark Eitzen, senior vice president and general manager of Gunderson. “We have recently added more than 100 workers to our Portland waterfront operations to support our expanded manufacturing of both marine and rail products.  We expect to add at least 150 new jobs over the next several months, all with competitive pay and benefits, as our total employment in Portland moves above 1,200 people.”