VT Halter Marine Launches Bouchard ATB Tug

The ocean-going petroleum barge company Bouchard Transportation said that ATB tug M/V Evening Breeze was launched at US-based medium-sized ships builder VT Halter Marine's Pascagoula shipyard.

The launch of the M/V Evening Breeze marks a milestone achievement in Bouchard’s most recent expansion efforts; with the launch of sister ATB tug M/V Evening Stroll not far behind.

Bouchard’s Safety First philosophy remains at the forefront of their operation, and is powerfully supported through VT Halter Marine, Inc.’s ability to help advance their fleet with the most innovative technologies.

Bouchard is dedicated to offering a safe work environment for their crew and a reliable service to their customers, and will continue on their 100 year old tradition of always building the finest and most advanced tugs and barges in the industry.

The M/V Evening Breeze is a 4,000hp twin screw ATB tug classed by ABS as Maltese Cross, A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, SOLAS, meeting U.S. EPA-Tier 4 requirements, and equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.

The ATB tug M/V Evening Breeze will be paired with the B. No. 252, which is currently under construction at Bollinger Shipyards. The B. No. 252 measures 317’6 feet by 70 feet by 28 feet, will have a 55,000 barrel capacity, and be used to transport liquid petroleum products throughout the Jones Act Market.

Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.’s history dates back to its incorporation nearly 100 years ago in 1918 by founder, Capt. Fred Bouchard, the youngest tugboat captain in the Port of New York.

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 Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors.