Canal Barge orders another Becker flap rudder retrofit

Pic 2 Becker Flap Rudders

(HAMBURG, Germany) — The U.S. office of Becker Marine Systems has announced the order for a retrofit of another set of Becker flap rudders placed by the Canal Barge Co. Inc. Founded in 1933, Canal Barge is a family-owned independent marine transportation company headquartered in New Orleans, La.

Chosen for retrofit is the 140-foot vessel Eugenie P. Jones, built in 1975 by the Dravo Corp. It is a sister vessel of Susan L. Stall, which has been successfully running the Becker flap rudders since June 2014. Canal Barge also has one more set of Becker flap rudders on order for a third sister boat. That vessel, Merrick Jones, will be outfitted with the same rudder system in the first quarter of 2019.

Becker flap rudders have been helping U.S. towboat customers improve fuel efficiency and maneuverability and saving them time on their long hauls since their introduction to the inland market in 2010. The increased maneuverability realized from the Becker flap rudders is particularly advantageous for long-haul vessels traveling up and down the winding and narrow Mississippi River in the U.S. inland waterways.

Becker Marine Systems will have representatives at booth L4 at CMA Shipping, held March 12-14 at the Hilton Hotel in Stamford, Conn.

By Professional Mariner Staff