VT Halter Delivers ATB Tug to Bouchard

Posted by Eric Haun February 5, 2016

M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. on sea trials (Photo: VT Halter Marine)

VT Halter Marine, Inc. announced the delivery of the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr., the first of the two 6,000 horsepower Twin Screw Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) tugs to Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc.

Measuring 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet, the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. is classed by ABS as +A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. The vessel was launched on October 29, 2015 at the Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Miss.

Both M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. and M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, the second ATB tug, are part of a two-vessel contract awarded to VT Halter Marine in August 2014. M/V Frederick E. Bouchard is also being constructed at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine facility, with delivery expected in June 2016. Both vessels will enter into Bouchard Transportation’s fleet service in New York, N.Y.

Morton S. Bouchard III, President and CEO, Bouchard Transportation, said, “This delivery has special meaning to both VT Halter Marine and Bouchard, as the second tug that Bouchard ever built with Halter Marine back in 1972 was the original Tug Morton Bouchard Jr. (renamed the Bouchard Boys)”

Jack Prendergast, Chief Executive Officer, VT Halter Marine, noted that the shipyard will deliver M/V Donna J. Bouchard and Barge B. No. 272 in two weeks, as well as the M/V Frederick E. Bouchard in June 2016.