Last week VT Halter Marine, a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems, delivered the ocean-going 112' Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) tug, Denise A. Bouchard, for Bouchard Transportation.
The 112'x35'17', 4,000hp tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode, and is equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Construction of the vessel began in March 2013 and the tug was launched in February 2014 at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Miss.
The Denise A. Bouchard is the sister vessel to the Evening Star which was delivered in October 2012 and is part of a major Bouchard fleet expansion currently underway at VT Halter Marine. The ATB tug will be paired with an existing Bouchard ATB 80,000 bbl barge and enter into Bouchard’s fleet service.
"This exceptionally crafted tug by VT Halter Marine is a fine addition to the Bouchard fleet and one which will certainly benefit our valued customers for years to come,” said Morton S. Bouchard III, president and CEO of Bouchard Transportation.
Bouchard Transportation's fleet expansion includes construction of two 625'x91'x47' ATB units. Each will have a 250,000 bbl. capacity and will be used to transport liquid petroleum. The barges are ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service.
