VT Halter Marine launches first barge of two ATB units for Bouchard Transportation
Bouchard Transportation Co., proudly announces the launch of Barge B. No. 270, the first of two Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) units constructed by VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine), a company of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), BT said in a press release.
Barge B. No. 270 was launched at the Pascagoula Shipyard Operations in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on Friday, May 1st, 2015. The tug, Kim M. Bouchard, part of the ATB unit, was launched at the Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Mississippi, on February 26, 2015. When paired, Kim M. Bouchard and Barge B. No. 270 will be delivered to Bouchard, the nation’s largest independently owned oceangoing petroleum barge companies, as part of their ongoing fleet expansion program.
Barge B. No. 270 measures 625 feet by 91 feet by 47 feet, has a 250,000-barrel capacity, and is ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service. The Kim M. Bouchard is a 10,000hp twin screw ATB tug and is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. When paired with Barge B. No. 270, the unit will be used to transport liquid petroleum for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. (Bouchard). The sister unit, M/V Donna J. Bouchard and B. No. 272 is also currently under construction at VTHM.
About Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.
Bouchard Transportation (established in 1918) is a family owned business and the largest independently-owned ocean-going petroleum barge company in the USA. The company’s areas of operation span all four coasts of the United States: East, Gulf, West and Great Lakes. The fleet consists of 25 barges ranging from 25,000 to 252,000 barrels and 21 tugs ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 horsepower.
