VT Halter Lays Keel for Barge

Pascagoula, Miss.-based shipbuilder announces keel laying of ATB, Schedules Launch of Offshore Tug

VT Halter Marine laid the keel for Barge B No. 270, which is, in part, one of two Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) units being built for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. (Bouchard). The barge measures 625 x 91 x 47 ft. and has a 250,000-barrel capacity and will be used to transport liquid petroleum. The barge is ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service. Construction of the two units began April 2013 at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula facility, with delivery scheduled for mid 2015.

VT Halter Marine has also scheduled a February 6, 2014 launch for the ocean going 112-ft. 4000 hp ATB Tug “Denise A. Bouchard”, sister tug to the previously built “Evening Star”. Measuring 112 x 35 x 17 ft., the tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Upon delivery, the ATB units and the Offshore Tug will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y.

“The laying of the keel marks a major milestone in the construction schedule for these units," said Bill Skinner, CEO, VT Halter Marine. "With construction of this first barge underway and the upcoming launch of the ATB tug, we proudly look forward to delivering these quality-built ATB units to our long-standing customer, the Bouchard Family.”