Bouchard Transportation’s Barge B No. 270, the first of two articulated tug barge (ATB) units constructed by VT Halter Marine, was launched at Halter’s Pascagoula Shipyard Operations in Pascagoula, Miss., on May 1. The 143.6'x44'x23.8' tug, Kim M. Bouchard, part of the ATB unit, was launched at the shipyard’s Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Miss., in February. When paired, the tug and barge will be delivered to Bouchard as part of its ongoing fleet expansion program.
The 625'x91'x47' Barge B No. 270, has a 250,000-bbl. capacity and is ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service.
The Kim M. Bouchard is a 10,000-hp twin screw ATB tug and is classed ABS A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, and is equipped with an Intercon coupler system. When paired with Barge B. No. 270, the unit will be used to transport liquid petroleum for Bouchard.
The sister unit, Donna J. Bouchard and Barge B. No. 272, is currently under construction at Halter.
“Launching the B. No 270 is another significant milestone for Bouchard,” Morton S. Bouchard III, president and CEO of Bouchard, said in a statement announcing the launch. “Once married, the Kim and B. No. 270 will be Bouchard’s 18th ATB unit and the safest and most technologically advanced unit of its kind. I’m looking forward to delivery, and I am grateful to everyone involved in construction for another fine job.”
