Gunderson to build ATB tank barge for OSG

The following is text from a news release from The Greenbrier Companies Inc.:

(LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.) — Gunderson Marine LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Greenbrier Companies Inc., announced Tuesday that it has signed a binding contract with Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. (OSG), a provider of energy transportation services for crude oil and petroleum products in the U.S.-flag markets, for the construction of one 204,000-barrel-capacity oil and chemical tank barge for dual mode ITB service pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard NVIC 2-81, Change 1, for anticipated delivery to OSG during the second quarter of calendar 2020. 

This barge will be constructed at Gunderson's Portland, Ore., building facilities and will be built to comply with MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 13 Tier III standards regarding nitrogen oxide emissions within emission control areas. The state-of-the-art 581-foot tank barge is among the largest in the history of Gunderson Marine, with origins on the Willamette River in Portland dating to 1919.

OSG intends that the vessel, following delivery, will be registered under the U.S. flag with a coastwise endorsement, allowing it to be employed in the Jones Act trade. The barge will be constructed to pair with existing tugs within OSG's current fleet for operation as an articulated tug-barge (ATB) unit. The agreement with Gunderson Marine also provides OSG with an option to construct a second sister barge which would have a scheduled delivery date during the fourth quarter of calendar 2020.  

"Our partnership with OSG for new ATB construction builds on Gunderson Marine's strong reputation for providing safe and efficient oceangoing, Jones Act barges for the transportation of petrochemicals, crude oil, refined petroleum products and chemicals," said William A. Furman, Greenbrier chairman and CEO.

"The Gunderson Marine contract for construction of a new barge is an exciting development for OSG," said Sam Norton, OSG's President and CEO.  "This transaction represents the first significant new capital investment into our Jones Act businesses in nearly a decade and is an affirmation of our commitment to operate ATBs, as well as tankers, within this market."

By Professional Mariner Staff