VT Halter Marine launched the tug Kim M. Bouchard, the first of two ATB tugs under a major expansion program for Bouchard Transportation. The launch was held at the Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Miss., on Feb. 26.
The 10,000-hp twin screw ATB tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, and is equipped with Intercon coupler systems. The Kim M. Bouchard and will pair up with Barge B. No. 270. The 625'x91'x47' barge has a 250,000-bbl. capacity.
The ATB will be used to transport liquid petroleum and is ABS- and USCG-certified for Jones Act service. Construction of this ATB unit began January 2014 with delivery scheduled for June 2015. This unit will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y.
“Bouchard Transportation is pleased to announce that the Kim Bouchard was successfully launched at VT Halter Marine’s Moss Point Marine facility,” said Morton S. Bouchard III, president/CEO, Bouchard Transportation. “The Kim Bouchard will be joined up with the B. No. 270, also being built at VT Halter Marine. Bouchard has six vessels being built there and looks forward to future successful launchings.”
VT Halter is a a company of Vision Technologies Systems.
