The following is the text of a news release from Bouchard Transportation Co.:
(MELVILLE, N.Y.) — Morton S. Bouchard III, president and CEO of Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc., today announced the next step in Bouchard Transportation’s ongoing fleet expansion with the construction of two 6,000-hp ATB tugs. These newbuilds, M/V Bouchard Boys and M/V Evening Light, will be equipped with Intercon coupler systems and constructed by VT Halter Marine Inc.
Measuring 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet, these 6,000-hp twin screw ATB tugs will be classed by ABS as XA1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C. Both will be built with Tier III engines and Lufkin gears.
“I am happy to share the news of Bouchard Transportation’s fleet expansion,” said Bouchard upon making the announcement. “I look forward to the delivery of two more first-class vessels built by VT Halter, and would like to thank Mr. Brian Everist for Intercon’s assistance in completing these contracts.”
Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. was the first Jones Act company to build double-hull oceangoing barges with Intercon. With the addition of these two new tugs, Bouchard’s fleet will be equipped with Intercon from 80,000 bbls to 250,000 bbls. The new tugs will be married up to two existing Bouchard barges.
Construction on the newbuilds is scheduled to begin later this year.
