C&C Marine delivers 28,000 bbl. bunker barge

C&C Marine & Repair, Belle Chasse, La., announced the delivery of CTOW 330, anewly constructed double-hull tank barge designed for bunker service.

Built to support modern fuel-handling requirements across lakes, bays, and sounds service routes, the 297'06"x54’x 16', CTOW 330 has a nominal cargo capacity of about 28,000 U.S. bbls. It features a flush deck extending the full length and breadth of the vessel.

The barge is designed for U.S. Coast Guard authorization for Subchapter D cargoes, Grade A and lower; inclusive of biodiesel and methanol; and incorporates a Type III double-skin hull with raked ends for operational durability and regulatory compliance.

“This project was completed through close collaboration between the customer and the C&C Marine production team. Consistent communication and teamwork throughout the barge build ensured both accuracy and timely delivery,” said Matt Dobson, head of engineering at C&C Marine & Repair.

The CTOW 330 has a purpose-built cargo system with segregations and redundancy. The barge is configured with eight cargo compartments arranged into two cargo segregations, each served by a dedicated pipeline and pumping capability to support efficient and flexible fuel movements, including:

• Bunker Fuel Segregation: Cargo tanks P/S 1, P 2, S 3, and P/S 4 piped together.

• Diesel Segregation: Cargo tanks S 2 and P 3 piped together.

 To support operational resilience, the forward deck is arranged with emergency suction risers that can be connected via spool piece to form a loop, enabling either pump set to move cargo from either segregation in an emergency.

Owner Colonial Towing furnished four diesel-driven cargo pumps rated at approximately 4,000 bbls. per hour at 250 feet of head, with pumping performance based on a worst-case cargo condition of 8.8 API gravity and 700 cSt viscosity at 122°F. The load/discharge arrangement includes two transverse cargo headers located approximately 120 feet forward of the stern and configured for practical hose handling and manifold operations.

The barge is equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Vapor Recovery System (VCS) including an 8” 304 stainless steel vent header, closed gauging provisions, and an owner-furnished high-velocity pressure/vacuum valve (3.0 psig pressure / 0.5 psig vacuum). 

Vapor segregation is supported through strategically placed spectacle flanges and dedicated header arrangements. Cargo tank monitoring includes open gauging, closed gauging, high-level alarms, and supporting fittings for inspection and measurement, with an owner-furnished inspection team to measure volume and produce strapping tables.

To support positioning and handling, CTOW 330 includes a 600 hp bow thruster powered by a dedicated diesel engine and integrated tunnel arrangement in the bow rake.

The barge is also outfitted with an owner-furnished EBI pedestal-mounted hydraulic crane with an 85’ boom and 5,000 lbs. capacity at 65’ radius, supported by shipyard-furnished structural foundation and access provisions to facilitate inspection and maintenance.

A shipyard-furnished tankerman house is installed aft, providing a protected workspace and operational support for cargo handling and onboard systems.

 “I have had the pleasure of working with C&C Marine numerous times over the years, but I am always impressed with the quality of their workmanship and their commitment to meet production schedules despite the challenges.” said Mark Shiffer, Colonial Towing’s representative.