Z-drives are most popular of the newbuilds

摘要

Nichols Brothers is building a 10,000-hp ATB for Kirby Offshore. The 136-foot boat is engineered by Guarino & Cox LLC of Louisiana. Chem Carriers is scheduled to get delivery in July of Capt. Robert Banta Sr., a 2,000-hp z-drive towboat, from Main Iron Works. The two-decker has a retractable wheelhouse with an 18-foot lift and is 82 feet by 28 feet, with a 10-foot draft. "It should operate from all points west, Houston and below, up the lower Mississippi via the Atchafalaya River bypassing Baton Rouge, La. The vessel being retractable and having z-drives will help in negotiating these areas in the Old River Lock area," said Warren Berthelot of Chem Carriers. Bouchard Transportation has launched its 10,000-hp ATB Km M. Bouchard, which is being paired with Barge No. 270 to carry liquid petroleum. The 150-foot boat was built by VT Halter Marine, which is also building a sister ATB, Donna J. Bouchard.