VT Halter Marine launches Bouchard ATB barge

MAY 6, 2015 — VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula, MS, shipyard launched Barge B. No. 270 for Bouchard Transportation Co., Melville, NY, May 1. Barge B. No. 270 is the barge component of the first of two Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) units on order for Bouchard at VT Halter Marine. The tug component, Kim M. Bouchard, was launched at VT Halter’s Moss Point Marine shipyard in Escatawpa, MS, on February 26, 2015 (see earlier story).

When paired, Kim M. Bouchard and Barge B. No. 270 will be delivered to Bouchard, the nation’s largest independently owned oceangoing petroleum barge company, as part of its 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 10,000 hp,  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.The sister unit, M/V Donna J. Bouchard and B. No. 272, is also currently under construction at VT Halter Marine.

“Launching the B. No 270 is another significant milestone for Bouchard,” said Morton S. Bouchard III, President and CEO of Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. “Once married, the Kim and B. No. 270 will be Bouchard’s eighteenth ATB unit and the safest and most technologically advanced unit of its kind. I’m looking forward to delivery and I am grateful to everyone involved in construction for another fine job.”

“We are proud to have launched another quality and efficiently built barge for our long standing customer Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.” said Bill Skinner, Chief Executive Officer, VT Halter Marine. “We are pleased to have been chosen by the Bouchard family to construct their modern, safe and efficient Jones Act ATB vessels.”