The following is the text of a news release from VT Halter Marine:
(PASCAGOULA, Miss.) — VT Halter Marine Inc. announced the delivery of the 6,000-hp twin screw articulated (ATB) tug M/V Frederick E. Bouchard at its Pascagoula Shipyard facility on Wednesday. This delivery culminates a two-vessel contract awarded by Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. to VT Halter Marine in August 2014.
M/V Frederick E. Bouchard underwent the sea trials on June 1, an important milestone before delivery. The first vessel of the contract, M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr., was delivered to Bouchard Transportation on Feb. 1 and is currently in service throughout the coastwise trade. M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, named after another Bouchards family member, the brother of Morton S. Bouchard Jr., will also be joining Bouchard Transportation’s fleet for servicing the coastwise trade. These vessels are both equipped with an Intercon coupler system, measure 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet, and are classed by ABS as A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C.
“I am proud to announce the delivery of the M/V Frederick E. Bouchard, as it marks the conclusion of our major fleet expansion plan in partnership with our dear friends at VT Halter Marine," said Morton S. Bouchard III, president and CEO of Bouchard Transportation. "This vessel joins our fleet alongside the recent deliveries of the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. and our two newest ATB units, M/V Kim. M. Bouchard and B. No. 270 and M/V Donna J. Bouchard and B. No. 272. Together, these vessels work to define Bouchard as a state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient and safe operation which will better serve our customers and crew for years to come. The relationship between Bouchard Transportation and VT Halter Marine is deeply valued. Thank you to everyone involved in constructing these first-class vessels."
“The recent successful sea trials of M/V Frederick E. Bouchard and delivery today represent the integrity and commitment of VT Halter Marine to our valued customer, Bouchard Transportation and the entire Bouchard Transportation family," said Jack Prendergast, CEO of VT Halter Marine. "We have enjoyed this partnership and look forward to teaming with Bouchard Transportation in future endeavors. As CEO, I am proud of the recent timely deliveries of the Bouchard articulated tug-barges and the close relationship between our companies and the hard-working staff and employees of VT Halter Marine Inc.”