Page 24: of Marine News Magazine (July 2016)

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PROPULSION: DESIGN

Credit: Nautican

ATB Design Comes of Age

Bouchard’s newest ATB units have been exceeding all performance expectations, and consistently deliver at maximum ef? ciencies.

Close coordination between the design team and the propulsion

OEM from the outset is a major reason why.

By Kathy A. Smith he emerging trend of marrying the design of an ar- M. Bouchard is paired with the B. No. 270 and was deliv- ticulated tug and barge (ATB) to a particular propul- ered in July of 2015. The M/V Donna J. Bouchard is paired

Tsion system to maximize ef? ciencies of that system with the B. No. 272 and was delivered in February of 2016. has, of late, been taking hold in workboat markets. For Notably, the tugs are ? rst in their class designed to be example, one recent project involving a dynamic partner- double-hulled for superior environmental protection, ship between Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc, Guarino and both barges have cargo capacity of 255,000 barrels & Cox, LLC (GCL) naval architects, Nautican Research of petroleum products. Additionally, each tug and barge & Development Ltd., integrated propulsion unit manu- is equipped with the most up-to-date Hyde ballast water facturers, and VT Halter Marine shipbuilders, aptly dem- treatment system, which treats all ballast water upon tak- onstrates the concept in practice. What the collaboration ing ballast in, and discharging ballast out. “Come time, produced, is even more important. this will be an important regulated design factor for all

Jones Act Tugs and Barges,” says Jon Shaw, Bouchard’s

Maintenance and Repair Manager.

Bouchard and ATB’s: both top notch

Both vessels are constructed with 20 cylinder EMD Tier

New York-based Bouchard Transportation recently launched and put into service two ATBs that operate in the 3 engines (producing 5000 HP each) that meet all EPA

U.S. Gulf and East Coasts. The additions bring Bouchard’s standards. The design decision behind the hull and bul-

ATB tug ? eet to 20, making it one of the largest and most bous bow was made to help increase speed and maneuver- experienced ATB operators under U.S. ? ag. The M/V Kim ability, while also ensuring fuel-ef? ciency. Extensive model

July 2016

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