Bouchard Continues Fleet Expansion

Morton S. Bouchard III, President and CEO of Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., announced the next step in Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.’s ongoing fleet expansion with the construction of two 6000-hp ATB tugs.  These new builds, the M/V Bouchard Boys and the M/V Evening Light, will be equipped with Intercon Coupler Systems and constructed by VT Halter Marine, Inc. 

Measuring 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet, these 6,000-hp Twin Screw ATB Tugs will be classed by ABS as XA1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C, both will be built with Tier III engines and Lufkin gears. 

“I am happy to share the news of Bouchard Transportation’s fleet expansion,” said Mr. Bouchard upon making the announcement.  “I look forward to the delivery of two more first-class vessels built by VT Halter, and would like to thank Mr. Brian Everist for Intercon’s assistance in completing these contracts.”

Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. was the first Jones Act company to build double-hull ocean-going barges with Intercon.  With the addition of these two new tugs, Bouchard’s fleet will be equipped with Intercon from 80,000 bbls to 250,000 bbls.  The new tugs will be married up to two existing Bouchard barges.

Construction on the new builds is scheduled to begin later this year.