Dravo Launches Coastal Hopper Barge For C.G. Willis

The Dravo Corporation's Neville Island Shipyard, Pa., recently launched a 195-foot by 35-foot covered hopper barge, W.B.L.

114 — one of two delivered by Dravo to C.G.

Willis, Inc., of Paulsboro, N.J.

Outfitted for both push and hawser towing, the barges are equipped with corrugated rolling covers and deck winches. Designed with a special 4y2-foot coaming, the barges are operated along the East Coast by Willis Barge Line.

The barges' preparation for saltwater service included a Devoe coating of inorganic zinc-based primer paint prior to steel fabrication, plus the application of a Devoe Marine epoxy paint finish to the completed vessel. A brilliant international orange hue was applied to the barges' bow, rake, and coaming as a safety feature to improve their visibility in heavy traffic areas.

The barges were moved from Pittsburgh to New Orleans by Dravo Mechling, Dravo's barge line subsidiary. After traveling across Florida through Lake Okeechobee, the barges entered commercial service in Georgia, where they were loaded with cargo for delivery to points in the Northeast.

Other stories from January 15, 1983 issue

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