MARCH 21, 2013 — Singapore's ST Engineering’s reports that its U.S. shipyard, VT Halter Marine, Inc., says that Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. has exercised its option for an additional Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) unit under the contract announced on February 15, 2013 (see earlier story).

ST Engineering says the value of this ATB unit is in the region of US$100 million (about S$125 million).

Both barges will measure 625 feet by 91 feet by 47 feet and each will have a 250,000-barrel capacity. They will be used to transport liquid petroleum. The barges will be American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) certified for Jones Act service. The 10,000hp twin screw ATB tug, classed by ABS as XA1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode, USCG Sub-chapter M, will be equipped with an Interconnected Coupler System.

The construction of the first barge will begin in April 2013 at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula shipyard, with delivery scheduled in mid 2015. Construction of the second barge will begin in fourth quarter 2013 with delivery scheduled in  first quarter2016.

“With the strong confidence and support from Bouchard Transportation, we will ensure that the two ATBs are built to the highest standards in a timely fashion and to the utmost satisfaction of our Customer,” said Ng Sing Chan, President, ST Marine