VT Halter Launches ATB Tug for Bouchard

VT Halter Marine launched ATB tug Kim M. Bouchard for Bouchard Transportation at Moss Point Marine facility on February 26, 2015.

Measuring 150 feet long, the 10,000hp twin screw ATB tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, is equipped with Intercon Coupler Systems, and will pair up with Barge B. No. 270. The barge measures 625 feet by 91 feet by 47 feet and has a 250,000-barrel capacity. Used to transport liquid petroleum, the barge is ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service.

“It is with great pride that we launch another quality-built tug today, the Kim M. Bouchard, for our long-time customer, the Bouchard Family,” said Bill Skinner, Chief Executive Officer, VT Halter Marine. “We look forward to joining her with Barge B. No. 270, as this is one of the most efficiently built ATB units for Jones Act trade.”

VT Halter began construction on this unit in January 2014 and plans delivery for June 2015, when the unit will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York.

“Launching the Kim is a 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.”

A sister unit to the pair, M/V Donna J. Bouchard and B. No. 272 is also under construction at VT Halter’s Pascagoula facility.