Vigor Launches First US Flagged Liquefied Gas Carrier in Decades

The ATB tank barge will safely transport up to 22,000 tons of American-made anhydrous ammonia (NH3), a key ingredient in fertilizer

Vigor recently launched The Harvest, the first complex liquefied ammonia transport barge built in the United States for Jones Act trade since 1982. The vessel was constructed to support the operations of The Mosaic Company, the world’s leading integrated producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash. The Harvest will be operated by a subsidiary of Savage Companies as part of an articulated tug and barge (ATB) unit.

“This is a significant project for both the maritime industry and our community,” notes Vigor CEO, Frank Foti. “We’ve worked hard to bring together a family of companies designed to take our complex fabrication capabilities to the next level and bring new work to the Pacific Northwest.”

Over the last 23 months, the project supported approximately 1,500 American jobs and involved close to a million labor hours at Vigor facilities in Oregon and Washington and subcontractors throughout the region. Teams used 9,000 tons of American rolled steel to complete the 508’ x 96’ ATB tank barge.

The industries behind large marine vessels and complex metal structures in Oregon and Southwest Washington provide economic balance to the region and strengthen the middle class by employing the industrial artisans whose passion and skills are attracting new business to the area and creating family-wage jobs.  

“The NH3 barge project brings our vision to life,” said Foti. “It combines Vigor’s capabilities in large vessel construction with decades of experience building complex structures like nuclear containment devices, dam lift gates and bridges. It’s proof that the industrial artisans who are a huge part of the Portland and SW Washington economies are the reason we are nationally competitive.”

Successful completion of the first US flagged liquefied gas carrier built in decades hinged on extensive project planning and management between Vigor, multiple contractors, designers and its customer, Savage. Careful integration of various complex systems was required to support the Harvest’s state-of-the-art, onboard re-liquefaction plant that keeps cargo cooled to -27 degrees Fahrenheit. Vigor subcontractor JH Kelly, based in Longview, Washington, was a key partner in this effort, providing the onboard electrical work as well as fabrication and installation of the cargo piping systems for the plant.  

Built to the highest ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) and U.S. Coast Guard safety standards, the first-in-class Harvest was completed on an aggressive timeline.

“It was an honor to partner with Savage and Mosaic on this project,” said Joe Corvelli, Vigor SVP and Program Manager. “It was their close collaboration throughout the vessel construction that helped maintain an efficient and well-executed build.”

Savage, one of the country’s leading supply chain solutions companies, has been steadily increasing its footprint in the marine industry. “We chose Vigor for this project following an extensive search. Their unique capabilities combined with our shared commitment to safety and environmental integrity were key drivers in our decision,” said Kirk Aubry, Savage President and CEO. “We’ve been extremely pleased with Vigor’s focus on safety and commitment to quality throughout the construction process. We look forward to operating the ATB and providing transportation services to support this critical link in Mosaic’s supply chain.”

Principal Characteristics

Length: 508’

Beam: 96’

Depth: 51’

Draft (Full Load): 26.6’

Cargo Tank Capacity: 22,000 ST @ 96%

Cargo Tank: Type A Prismatic Tank, (4)

Cargo: Refrigerated Liquid NH3 carried at –27 degrees F

Onboard re-liquefaction system for cargo maintenance

GENSETS: 4X940kW, 1X163kW

Fuel Storage Capacity: 27,250 Gal

Articouple Connection System

USCG and ABS approved Ballast Water Treatment System