Harley Marine names two new ATB units

The following is the text of a news release from Harley Marine Services:

(SEATTLE) — Harley Marine Services has announced names for two articulated tug-barge (ATB) units currently under construction at Gunderson Marine (barges) and Conrad Shipyard (tugs), respectively. The vessels are two 116-foot tugs and two 80,000-barrel barges.

On the first unit, the tug will be named One Cure and the barge One Dream. The names have a very personal meaning to Harley Franco, chairman and CEO, as he honors his lifelong friends Larry and Sherry Benaroya of the Benaroya Research Foundation, for the work they have done fighting diabetes in the Pacific Northwest. Harley Marine Services has been a longtime supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in its effort to fight Type 1 diabetes (T1D). The name One Dream is derived from Seattle's successful T1D fundraising Dream Gala. One Dream will be propelled by One Cure, which aspires for a cure for Type 1 diabetes. The Benaroyas' leadership, passion and commitment have inspired Harley Marine Services to bestow them with a naming opportunity.

The second ATB unit will be named with a nod to Harley Marine Services corporate culture. The tugboat will be named Todd E. Prophet and the barge All Aboard for a Cure. Todd Prophet, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Harley Marine Services, has been a loyal, passionate company leader for 19 years. He has spearheaded financing and capital structures to allow for Harley Marine's steady growth, expansion and construction projects. While Prophet has battled lung cancer and has fought hard to overcome the enormous challenges, he has continued to work diligently for Harley Marine and steps up for a variety of the company's many philanthropic pursuits. Despite his diagnosis, he has remained a pillar within the company and a rock for his family.

The companion barge, All Aboard for a Cure, speaks to Harley Marine's mission to give back to the community. Whether fighting to end cancer, cystic fibrosis or diabetes, the company is compelled to make a difference by supporting charities in their efforts to fund research. Harley Marine's company slogan "Cruisin' For a Cure," dating back to the company's infancy, will remain until a vessel can proudly be named Cure Found.

The tugs, each being built at Conrad Shipyard of Morgan City, La., are 116 feet long with a beam of 36 feet. Each vessel is equipped with two GE Tier 4 propulsion engines, for a total of approximately 4,560 horsepower, and two John Deere Tier 3 generators. These engines reduce NOx and particulate matter and reinforce Harley Marine's commitment to being an environmentally responsible leader within the maritime industry. The vessels are each equipped with a Markey tow winch and bow and stern fendering.

Built at Gunderson Marine of Portland, Ore., the barges are 430 feet long with a beam of 76 feet with a carrying capacity of 80,000 barrels. Their nitrogen gas generators inject nitrogen into all cargo compartments, maintaining an inert or "oxygen deficient" environment which exponentially increases the safety of the barge. The system adds another vital level of protection to the transportation and handling of the customers petroleum products.

The ATBs will be coupled utilizing Articouple pins. These connections create one unit which functions like a tanker, ensuring more stability under tow. The vessels will exceed all regulatory, internal and customers' expectations.

By Professional Mariner Staff