Bollinger Shipyards team on Bouchard ATB conversion

Two Bollinger Shipyards, Bollinger Amelia Repair, L.L.C., and Bollinger Algiers, L.L.C.,  teamed to re-deliver the tank barge B. No. 230 and tug Ralph E. Bouchard to Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., Melville, NY    

“We are pleased to announce the re-delivery of the ATB unit to Bouchard following a successful conversion, and regulatory updates at our two repair facilities,” saysBollinger Executive Vice President, Ben Bordelon. “Bouchard’s confidence in our ability to deliver quality workmanship from multiple facilities allowed us to complete the two projects simultaneously. We are fortunate to continue our long relationship with Bouchard and also be a part of their continued commitment to have first class assets.”

The B. No. 230, a 138,000 barrel (BBL) black oil barge equipped with inert gas, vapor recovery and closed gauging measuring 467 ft x 80 ft x 36 ft, was docked at Bollinger’s Amelia facility for the addition of the Intercon coupler system and for regulatory work.  The installation of the coupler will give the barge and tug the ability to be an articulated unit allowing for improved maneuverability and sea-keeping.

The tug Ralph E. Bouchard underwent conversions at Bollinger‘s Algiers facility, receiving additional coolers and a keel cooled John Deere 99 KW Tier 2 generator set as back up to the main generators and for powering the Intercon hydraulic system. The vessel completed renewal of all regulatory requirements, installation of the Intercon system and received life extensions.

“We are extremely pleased with another successful project with Bollinger,” says Morton S. Bouchard, III, President/CEO of Bouchard Affiliates, “and are looking forward to the conversion of the M/V Barbara Bouchard & B. No. 240 to Intercon at Bollinger in the upcoming months.  Bouchard values our long standing relationship with Bollinger and foresees future projects, and the delivery of the newly built B. No. 250 (55,000 bbl Intercon clean oil barge) this coming July 2012.”
Bouchard Affiliates includes Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., Bouchard Ocean Services, Inc., and Bouchard Coastwise Management.

March 27, 2012