Buffalo Marine Service, Inc. Christens San Joaquin

Buffalo Marine Service, Inc., a full-service marine fuel bunkering company serving the Gulf Coast, recently christened the newest of its nine-boat fleet, at its offices on the original Buffalo Bayou in the Port of Houston, said Patrick Suddert, president of Buffalo Marine.

San Joaquin, which cost $1.35 million, joins sister vessels San Leandro and San Rafael as part of the youngest and newest bunker fleet in the nation. The fleet also includes six other similar towboats and 17 tank barges. The fleet refuels ships in the ports of Houston, Galveston, Texas City, Freeport, Port Arthur, Beamont, Orange, Lake Charles and Corpus Christi.

“We are very excited to put our new tug into service,” Studdert said. “San Joaquin is the newest in our fleet of technologically advanced, state-of-the-art boats. The new boat will allow us to better serve our clients.”At 74 ft. long, 30 ft. wide and 11 ft. deep, and weighing 163 gt, San Joaquin, built by Jay Bludworth, Inc. of Corpus Christi, features technology for safety, communication and efficiency. The tug is equipped with an engine room fire detection system, fire suppression system, fire pump, four hand-held fire extinguishers, a 12-foot aluminum rescue boat and port and starboard life rings.

Like the rest of the Buffalo Marine fleet, San Joaquin is equipped with a communications system to keep the boat in constant contact with the command center.

Buffalo Marine is dedicated to keeping the environment clean. All boats are equipped with hoses, elbows, camlocks and flat flanges in all sizes to ensure tight leak and spill-proof connections. Tugs and barges are also equipped with emergency oil spill control booms.

“We take precautions to prevent oil spills and keep the environment as pollution-free as possible,” Studdert said. “Our spill control technology helps us keep our promise to our clients to provide a pleasurable, safe and environmentally friendly bunkering experience.”

Houston-based Southwest Bank of Texas provided financing for Buffalo Marine’s San Joaquin as well as for two other barges.