Atlantic Marine Awarded Additional ATB Contract

Atlantic Marine won a contract for a second state-of-the-art articulated tug and barge (ATB) vessel to be built at its Alabama Shipyard facility in Mobile, according to Dick Wells, President. This will be the second ATB to be supplied to the Staten Island, NY-based Reinauer Transportation Companies. "The first ATB, with its speed and loading capabilities, enabled us to provide our customers with superior, more timely service," said Craig Reinauer, CEO of Reinauer Transportation. The first ATB, the Nicole Leigh Reinauer, was delivered by Alabama Shipyard on December 11, 1999. The 7,200 hp twin-screw ocean-going tug will have a length of 124 ft. (37.7 m) and will feature the patented Intercon tug/barge coupler system designed and built by Intercontinental Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation of Kansas City, Mo. The system consists of two independently mounted gear drive ram assemblies that connect the tug and barge. The connection is transversely rigid and mechanically locked, resulting in a vessel that handles like a conventional ship. The tug is able to push a loaded barge at approximately 11 knots, up to 35 percent faster than traditionally towed barges. Alabama Shipyard designed the 143,000-barrel, 487-ft. (148 m) barge in compliance with OPA 90. "This additional ATB will put us ahead of the curve in providing superior service to our customers in an environmentally safe manner," Reinauer said. The ATB is designed to operate in the widest range of sea states; offer the complete elimination of tug/barge hull contact; and eliminate the need for towing lines and related gear. The tug/barge - designed and built to ABS classification standards — can be engaged and disengaged without crew on deck.

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Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 50, Nov 2000

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