Blessey Prepares To Christen M/V Doug Barker

On Friday, September 17, Blessey Marine Services' newest vessel, M/V Doug Barker will moor near the Hilton Hotel for its christening ceremony. Measuring 78 x 28 x 11 ft. (23.7 x 8.5 x 3.2 m), and powered by a pair of 12-cylinder Cummins main engines delivering 1,000-hp each at 1,800 rpm, the vessel was built at the Verrete Shipyard in Plaquemine, La. The first of several to be delivered to the towboat operating company from various yards during the next few months, the three-deck vessel is scheduled to perform work on the Mississippi River system.