USA: VT Halter Delivers First 750 Class Tank Barge

VT Halter Marine, Inc, a subsidiary of VT Systems, Inc, today delivered and christened the first 750 Class Tank Barges built at its Mississippi-based Pascagoula yard. This tank barge, the largest ever built by VT Halter Marine, is the first of three 330,000-barrel barges to be built for Crowley Maritime Corporation’s subsidiary, Vessel Management Services, Inc.

With a deadweight of 45,000 LT, the 750 Class Tank Barges have a capacity of 330,000bbl – about 78 percent more cargo handling capacity than those previously built by VT Halter Marine for Vessel Management Services.

The tank barge measures about 600 ft. long and 105.5 ft. wide, with a depth of about 54 ft. All three barges will feature the latest systems technology and double hulled for maximum safety and reliability. Besides the capability to transport refined products, the barges can also carry heated cargoes. The second and third barges are scheduled for delivery in August 2012 and March 2013 respectively.

“We are pleased to take delivery and put into service, the first barge in this 750 Class Tank Barges. These vessels are reflective of the productive relationship between VT Halter Marine and Crowley and will provide safe and reliable petroleum transportation for many years to come.” said Ed SCHLUETER, Vice President, Vessel Management Services.

“It is with great pride that we deliver the first in a series of three 750 Class Tank Barges. This is the largest barge ever built by VT Halter Marine. We truly value the continued trust Crowley Maritime Corporation has in our shipbuilding capabilities.” said Bill SKINNER, Chief Executive Officer, VT Halter Marine.

VT Halter Marine is the marine operations of VT Systems. Based in Pascagoula, Miss., it is a leader in the design and construction of medium-sized ships in the United States. VT Halter Marine designs, builds and repairs a wide variety of ocean-going vessels such as patrol vessels, oil recovery vessels, oil cargo vessels, ferries, logistic support vessels and survey vessels.

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World Maritime News Staff, November 18, 2011; Image: Crowley