DECEMBER 3, 2015—Privately held Blessey Marine, Harahan, LA, moves liquid bulk cargoes on the U.S. inland waterways using a fleet of 10,000 to 30,000 double-hull tank barges. It transports everything from residual
The vessel is one of two sister vessels being built under a two vessel contract signed with Bouchard Transportation, Inc. in August 2014. Morton S. Bouchard and sister vessel Frederick E. Bouchard each measure 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet and is classed by ABS as +A1 Ocean Towing , Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C. On completion, both tugs will be equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Deliveries are expected in January and May 2016 respectively. The vessels will enter into Bouchard Transportation’s fleet service in New York, N.Y.
This most recent launch follows the September launch from the Moss Point shipyard of another ATB tug for Bouchard, the 10,000 hp M/V Donna J. Bouchard.
Also equipped with an Intercon Coupler, Donna J. Bouchard, is classed by ABS as +A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M.
She will be paired with barge B.No.272, which is currently under construction at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula, MS, shipyard to comprise the second ATB unit built for Bouchard Transportation as part of its major expansion program.
“Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. is happy to announce yet another successful launching of a state of the art ATB tug built by VT Halter Marine. The launching of the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. is a special event within the Bouchard Family, for the vessel is named after the father of President/CEO, Morton S. Bouchard III, who wanted his father’s name to always remain on the waterfront for which he dedicated his entire fife to. The original tug, Morton S Bouchard Jr., which was also built by Halter, was earlier renamed as The Bouchard Boys and continues to operate with Bouchard Fleet,” said Morton S. Bouchard III President and CEO, Bouchard Transportation.
“The successful launching of both vessels, the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. today and the M/V Donna J. Bouchard in September is an indication of the commitment to the continued relationship with Bouchard Transportation. We are pleased and proud to celebrate this important milestone in the life of any vessel, and we look forward to having these superb tugboats join the Bouchard Transportation fleet,” said Jack Prendergast, CEO, VT Halter Marine
The Wärtsilä Mobile LNG solution has been developed for challenging locations where pipelines and large-scale LNG receiving terminals are not feasible, or where the quantities of LNG needed are smaller. It is well-suited for shallow water areas where access for larger vessels would not be possible without major jetty constructions or dredging operations.
The all-in-one solution includes a jetty-based LNG receiving system receiving system, LNG storage and a regasification barge. The barge can be used in combination with a fixed or floating power plant with an installed capacity of up to 250 MW, which is ideal for many medium-sized communities. Its capacity can be ramped up by floating a second barge next to it
Compared to constructing conventional land-based terminals in difficult soil conditions and areas with an undeveloped infrastructure, the barge can mean a significantly lower capital investment (capex) and faster delivery. And, being mobile, it can be easily re-located giving it a high resale value.
The Wärtsilä Mobile LNG solution will make LNG available to new consumer segments, and will benefit both utilities and end-users. The flexibility of location it provides can bring clean energy to areas that have only limited or no access to a national electrical grid.
“Wärtsilä’s solutions support the entire gas value chain, from drilling and production, to delivery, liquefaction, regasification, storage, and power generation. This latest innovation is one more important step towards completing our LNG infrastructure offering. Most existing facilities are geared for larger-scale users, whereas the Wärtsilä Mobile LNG offers a flexible and mobile option for small to medium requirements,” says Timo Koponen, Vice President, Flow and Gas Solutions, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.
The LNG is transferred by a small scale LNG carrier.
AEG’s Advanced Maritime Emission Control System (AMECS), essentially, takes a barge-mounted scrubber system to the ship. Unlike existing shore power options, it does not require retrofits to each vessel.
“AMECS is a game-changer in the fields of emission control and air quality. Multiple AMECS units can remove thousands of tons of pollutants each year,” said Ruben Garcia, President of AEG. “These mobile barge-mounted systems use patented technology to attach to the auxiliary exhaust stacks of nearly any vessel entering port – at-berth or at-anchor – eliminating the need for expensive ship retrofits, and providing the public with cleaner air.”
AMECS is approved for simultaneous emission capture from two exhaust stacks of a single ship, with independently verified test results proving 90% to 99% reduction of the particulate matter (PM), nitrous oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxides (SO2) found in diesel exhaust.
“CARB’s approval of AMECS as an alternative to the at-berth emissions reductions rule provides the flexibility our shipping lines need while protecting our environment and creating new jobs for our communities,” said representatives from the Port of Long Beach, a strong supporter of AMECS throughout its development.
In 2013, the Port of Long Beach provided about $2 million in seed money to help test the AMECS system.
“We’re thrilled any time we can find more tools to reduce emissions and continue to improve community health. That’s why we fund projects like the demonstration and testing of these new technologies, through our Technology Advancement Program,” said Board of Harbor Commissioners President Lori Ann Guzmán. “We’ve made a lot of progress in reducing air pollution, and we are nurturing new technologies like these to help us do even more.”
“The expansion of our management team reflects the accelerated pace of growth across the organization,” says Harley Marine Services CEO Harley Franco. “Don and Steve represent our ongoing commitment to our customers, employees, and investors to ensure Harley Marine’s recent and projected growth is supported by a team of seasoned executives. We expect to do big things in the coming years and we’re building a world class team to support those activities.”
Prior to joining Harley Marine Services (HMS),Martin (shown at right) was the Vice President and General Counsel for
Delta Western and Hawaii Petroleum, where he oversaw all aspects of safety, risk management and regulatory compliance for the fuel distribution companies. Previously, he served as the Director of U.S.-flag shipping for ConocoPhillips and held positions with Crowley Maritime Corporation, Exxon Shipping Company, and Olympic Tug & Barge, a subsidiary of HMS. He has a combination of hands-on marine experience including positions from Second Officer through Captain and commercial and legal experience in shore side senior management positions. He attended the University of Washington, California Maritime Academy, and holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Puget Sound.
Carlson joins HMS from Alaska Marine Lines (AML), where he served as General Manager of Marine Engineering. Prior to joining AML, he was with with Kvichak Marine and the U.S. Coast Guard. Carlson 
retired from the Coast Guard at the rank of Captain, after 24 years of service, with his last assignment being Chief of the Office of Naval Engineering where he oversaw engineering and logistics support to the entire Coast Guard fleet of over 230 ships and 1,500 boats. He has advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from the University of Michigan, an executive development program certificate from the University of Washington, and a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 — Bristol, RI, based naval architecture and marine engineering firm Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI) reports that the Vane Brothers Company, Baltimore, MD, has taken delivery of a BHGI
SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 — The Coast Guard reported Saturday that traffic was again transiting the Mississippi River as the unified command in Paducah continued to respond to the clarified slurry oil spill
SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 —As of 10:50 a.m. today, 23 vessels were awaiting transit down river and 10 were awaiting transit up as the Mississippi River remained closed to all traffic except response
SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 —The Mississippi River yesterday remained closed to all traffic except response vessels between mile markers 939-922. A queue was in place, six up bound and nine down bound. In
AUGUST 25, 2015 — Responding to a severe drought in Morocco, Damen Shipyards, Gorinchem, Netherlands, is working to speed delivery of a Stan Pontoon 3011 Water Barge to the Royal Moroccan Navy.
