Bouchard aims for fuel efficiency in its new ATBs

摘要

Capacity is an obvious focal point when designing an articulated tug-barge (ATB). Of late though, the correlation between speed and fuel efficiency has muscled into the equation. Case in point is the 150-foot tug Kim M. Bouchard and the 628-foot, 250,000-barrel barge B. No. 270. Designed by Guarino & Cox of Covington, La., the tug and barge were built at VT Halter Marine's yard at Pascagoula, Miss., and delivered in July 2015. The identical Donna J. Bouchard and B. No. 272 were scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2016.