Pascagoula, Miss. – VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine), a subsidiary of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. (Bouchard), has exercised its option for an Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) unit. The option is an addition to the contract announced on February 13, 2013, for an ATB unit.
Both barges will measure 625 feet by 91 feet by 47 feet and each will have a 250,000-barrel capacity. They will be used to transport liquid petroleum. The barges are ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service. The 10,000hp twin screw ATB tugs are classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, and will be equipped with Intercon Coupler Systems.
The construction of the first unit will begin in April 2013 at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula facility, with delivery scheduled for mid 2015. This unit will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y. Construction of the second unit will begin in 4Q2013 with delivery scheduled in February 2016.
“We are pleased to have exercised our option to build this second first class ATB. The reception from the industry has been overwhelming and Bouchard looks forward to taking delivery of both units.”
~ Morton S. BOUCHARD III
President/CEO, Bouchard Transportation
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Bouchard Transportation with the early award of this option unit. Jones Act compliant vessels, such as these ATBs, are critical to the maritime industry which is responsible for nearly 500,000 U.S. jobs and more than $100 BILLION in annual U.S. economic output. This continuing contract with Bouchard Transportation will allow VT Halter Marine to maintain a steady workforce well into the future.”
~ Bill SKINNER
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.
