M/V Frederick E. Bouchard on sea trials

JUNE 10, 2015 — VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula, MS, shipyard delivered the ATB tug M/V Frederick E. Bouchard to Bouchard Transportation, Melville, NY, earlier this week.

Delivery of the 6,000 hp twin screw tug completes a two vessel contract awarded the shipbuilder by Bouchard in August, 2014.

The first vessel of the contract, M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr., was delivered to Bouchard Transportation on February 1, 2016 and is now in service in the coastwise trade, where it will be joined M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, which is named after another Bouchard family member, the brother of Morton S. Bouchard Jr.

Each vessel is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System, measures 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet and is classed by ABS as +A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C.

“I am proud to announce the delivery of the M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, as it marks the conclusion of our major fleet expansion plan in partnership with our dear friends at VT Halter Marine,” said Bouchard Transportation President & CEO, Morton S.Bouchard III. “This vessel joins our fleet alongside the recent deliveries of the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr., and our two newest ATB Units, M/V Kim. M. Bouchard & B. No. 270 and M/V Donna J. Bouchard & B. No. 272. Together, these vessels work to define Bouchard as a state of the art, fuel-efficient, and safe operation which will better serve our customers and crew for years to come.”

“The recent successful sea trials of M/V Frederick E. Bouchard and delivery today represents the integrity and commitment of VT Halter Marine to our valued customer, Bouchard Transportation and the entire Bouchard Transportation family,” said VT Halter Marine CEO Jack Prendergast. “We have enjoyed this partnership and look forward to teaming with Bouchard Transportation in future endeavors. As CEO, I am proud of the recent timely deliveries of the Bouchard Articulated Tug Barges vessels and the close relationship between our companies and the hard working staff and employees of VT Halter Marine Inc.”

MAY 30, 2014 — VT Halter Marine, Inc. yesterday delivered the ocean-going 112 foot Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) tug Denise A. Bouchard to Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.

Measuring 112 feet by 35 feet by 17 feet, the 4,000 hp tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.

Construction of the vessel began in March 2013 and the tug was launched in February 2014, at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine shipyard in Escatawpa, MS.

The Denise A. Bouchard is the sister vessel to the Evening Star which was delivered in October 2012, and is part of a major Bouchard fleet expansion currently underway at VT Halter Marine. The ATB tug will be paired with an existing Bouchard ATB 80,000 bbl barge and enter into Bouchard’s fleet service.

“We are pleased to announce the delivery of the Denise A. Bouchard. This exceptionally crafted tug by VT Halter Marine is a fine addition to the Bouchard fleet, and one which will certainly benefit our valued customers for years to come,” said Morton S. Bouchard III, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.

“VT Halter Marine has proudly delivered another quality-built ATB Tug. We certainly value the long-standing partnership we have with our valued customer, the Bouchard Family.”
 said VT Halter Marine CEO Bill Skinner.

OCTOBER 18, 2012 — VT Halter Marine, Inc. has delivered the 112 foot ATB offshore tug Evening Star to Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.

Similar to other tugs built for Bouchard in previous years by Halter Marine, the 4,000 hp tug measures 112 feet by 35 feet by 17 feet, It is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.

Construction of the vessel began in June 2011 at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine shipyard in Escatawpa, Miss.

The Evening Star will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y.and will operate as unit with the newly built 55,000 bbl barge B.No.250. recently delivered by Bollinger (see earlier story), and operate on the U.S. East Coast.