VT Halter Launches Tug for Bouchard

VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine), a company of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), announces the launch of the M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, at its Moss Point Marine Shipyard Facility in Escatawpa, Mississippi on Thursday, March 31, 2016. M/V Frederick E. Bouchard is the second of two 6,000hp Twin Screw Articulated (ATB) tugs constructed for Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. (Bouchard Transportation) under a two-vessel contract awarded to VT Halter Marine in August 2014.

Both M/V Frederick E. Bouchard and the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. measures, 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet, are classed by ABS as A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. An earlier Halter Marine built tug constructed for Bouchard Transportation in 1975, also named Frederick E. Bouchard, was renamed as the Evening Light in 2015 and is still in service today.

M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. was delivered to Transportation Bouchard Co. Inc. on February 1, 2016 and is currently in service as a part of Bouchard Transportation’s fleet service in New York, N.Y. M/V Frederick E. Bouchard is scheduled for delivery in June 2016, and will also join Bouchard’s New York, N.Y. fleet.

“The launch of the M/V Frederick E. Bouchard represents the final stages of Bouchard’s major fleet expansion plan, which includes the recent deliveries of the M/V Donna J. Bouchard & B.

No. 272, and the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. These impressive vessels represent a true testament to the commitment, long-standing, and close relationship between Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., and VT Halter Marine. I am honored, and proud to announce this launch, and thank everyone involved in constructing another first class tug that meets Bouchard standards, and industry needs,”

~ Morton S. BOUCHARD III, President and CEO, Bouchard Transportation commented, “The launch of M/V Frederick E. Bouchard today and the recent deliveries of the M/V Morton S. Bouchard, Jr. as well as the M/V Donna J. Bouchard and Barge B. No. 272 are a testament of the commitment to the excellent working relationship between VT Halter Marine and Bouchard Transportation. As CEO, I am proud of the extraordinarily hard work of the employees and staff of VT Halter Marine that has resulted in us maintaining the long relationship with Bouchard Transportation. We look forward to celebrating the delivery of M/V Frederick E. Bouchard in June 2016.”

~ Jack PRENDERGAST, Chief Executive Officer, VT Halter Marine VT Halter Marine is the marine operations of VT Systems. Based in Pascagoula, Miss., it is a leader in the design and construction of medium-sized ships in the United States. VT Halter Marine designs, builds and repairs a wide variety of ocean-going vessels such as patrol vessels, oil recovery vessels, oil cargo vessels, ferries, logistic support vessels and survey vessels. Please visit www.vthaltermarine.com.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems’ innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.’s history dates back to its incorporation in 1918 by founder, Capt. Fred Bouchard, the youngest tugboat captain in the Port of New York. Bouchard is a family owned business and the nation’s largest independently-owned ocean-going petroleum barge company. The company’s areas of operation span all four coasts of the United States: East, Gulf, West and Great Lakes. The fleet consists of 26 barges, ranging from 35,000 to 260,000 barrels, and 25 tugs, ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 horsepower.