November Theatre
November 5, 2007
Daniel Rodrigue, Sr.
November 7, 2007
The Intercon Coupler System was at the core of a retrofit and conversion of a Bouchard Coastwide Management Co., barge and tug to an articulated tug and barge (ATB), according to Bollinger Shipyards, Inc.
The work was completed by Bollinger Gulf Repair, L.L.C., and Bollinger Algiers, L.L.C.
The Intercon system is designed to provide a single degree of freedom, allowing the tug to pitch about a transverse connection between the tug and barge, the company explained in a news release. All other motions are restrained so that the tug motions match barge motions in roll and heave.
The mechanical connection is accomplished with two independently mounted ram assemblies, both gear driven and configured for tug installation, the release reported. The rams stroke transversely, engaging the vertical ladder structures incorporated onto both sidewalls of the stern notch of the barge. The resulting connection is rigid, mechanically-locked, and fail-safe, according to the company.
“We are pleased to announce that we have taken delivery of our fifth retrofit unit, the Bouchard Girls and the B. No. 295 from Bollinger. This redelivery of a modern, compliant, OPA’90 barge into our fleet represents another step forward in our company’s commitment to the petroleum industry,” said Morton S. Bouchard III, president and chief executive officer of Bouchard Transportation Company Inc.
Prior to the arrival of the tug and barge at the Bollinger yards, the shipyard pre-fabricated, sandblasted and painted certain components.
“This double hulling of the Bouchard B. No 295 and the re-fit of the tug Bouchard Girls using two separate Bollinger facilities exemplifies Bollinger’s unique ability to work with the needs of our customers to complete the job,” said Ben Bordelon, executive vice president repair. “By using the strengths at our various facilities, we are able to mix and match facility and personnel strengths to accomplish large projects, such as conversions, retrofits and re-builds.”
Bollinger has a number of OPA’90 new builds in various production stages for Bouchard, according to Robert Socha, executive vice president, Sales & Marketing.
At Bollinger Gretna, workers are building an 80,000 BBL clean oil barge and a 60,000 BBL black oil barge. At Bollinger Marine Fabricators in Amelia, a 35,000 BBL clean oil barge is under construction.
