The following is the text of a news release from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS):
(STURGEON BAY, Wis.) — Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Fincantieri Marine Group, has delivered on schedule the second articulated tug-barge unit (ATB) Paul McLernan and the 155,000-barrel barge 155-02 to Kirby Corp. This completes the original contract signed in July 2014, with the first ATB being delivered in the fall of 2016.
The 6,000-hp tug measures 123-by-38-by-22 feet, is certified ABS Class +A-1 Towing Service, +AMS, and is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communications technology.
The 155,000-barrrel barge, 521-by-72-by-41 feet, is purpose-built to carry petroleum or chemical cargoes domestically.
“Our contract with Kirby to build a pair of ATBs was significant for our FBS team," said Todd Thayse, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding vice president and general manager. "This vessel is expected to exceed performance expectations as her sister vessel has already done over the past year. We are thankful for the loyalty and confidence our customers have demonstrated over the years and we look forward to future newbuild programs with Kirby.”
Kirby currently operates several ATB units built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in the mid-2000s.
