Manitowoc Wins DH Barge Contract

Hornbeck Offshore Transportation has contracted with Manitowoc Co. to build a 110,000-barrel, double hull tank barge due for delivery in one year, with an option to purchase three additional units within the next year. The contract will be fulfilled through Manitowoc's Toledo ShipRepair Co. "this contract marks the first new-construction project for the Toledo facility in approximately 15 years," said Dennis McCloskey, president of Manitowoc's Marine Group. To make this facility better suited for shipbuilding work, Manitowoc and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority have agreed to expand the shipyard and build a covered dry dock." The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority has agreed to provide $7.5 million for the facility upgrade, following the commitment by Manitowoc to pursue additional new construction business for the facility. "This giant step forward for Toledo will mark the rebirth of new shipbuilding and vessel repair capability on the Great Lakes centered at Toledo," said U.S. Re. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).