The following is the text of a news release from VT Halter Marine:
(PASCAGOULA, Miss.) (May 29) — VT Halter Marine Inc., a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems Inc., today delivered the oceangoing 112-foot articulated tug-barge (ATB) tug Denise A. Bouchard for Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc.
Measuring 112 feet by 35 feet by 17 feet, the 4,000-hp tug is classed by ABS as an 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.
“We are pleased to announce the delivery of the Denise A. Bouchard. 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 chief executive officer of Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc.
“VT Halter Marine has proudly delivered another quality-built ATB tug. We certainly value the long-standing partnership we have with our valued customer, the Bouchard family,” said Bill Skinner, chief executive officer of VT Halter Marine.
