U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie commenced Operation Taconite, the Coast Guard’s largest domestic icebreaking operation, Monday, in response to expanded ice growth in the commercial ports of Western Lake Superior and the St. Marys River.Operation Taconite encompasses Lake Superior, St. Marys River, Straits of Mackinac, Georgian Bay, Green Bay, northern Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
San Francisco Bay Area ferry operator Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) is expanding its fleet with new vessels in order to meet large ridership increases. By 2035, WETA expects to add a total of 44 new vessels to meet anticipated demand, which is expected to increase by as much as 900 percent.
Mississippi shipbuilder VT Halter Marine, Inc. said it has secured a new contract to build an articulated tug barge (ATB) tug with an option for a second vessel for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.Construction of the new vessel, M/V Evening Stroll, begins immediately at the builder’s Pascagoula, Miss. shipyard, with delivery scheduled for December 2019.
More than $20 million in grant funding has been awarded to support capital improvement projects at 29 small shipyards in 22 states across the U.S.The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Small Shipyard Grant Program, supports capital improvements that foster increased efficiency and economic growth.
There's nothing like New York City for a maritime event, and McAllister Towing and Transportation Co., Inc., one of the historic family-run companies serving the industry for more than 150 years, held a signature ceremony and party last night at Pier 16 in Manhattan with the christening of two tugboats, the Rosemary McAllister and the Capt. Brian A.
California based shipbuilder Bay Ship and Yacht Co. said it has won a contract to build the first hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel in the U.S. for Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine (GGZEM), a Bay Area company on a mission to eliminate maritime pollution.The zero-emission vessel is expected to be delivered and in service by September 2019 as a first of its kind in the U.S.
In 2016, Bouchard Transportation Co. partnered with SUNY Maritime College to privately host the required USCG Leadership & Managerial Skills Course for all BTC Tug Captains & Chief Engineers. Following course completion, all Tug Captains then received a full day of simulator training at the Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. Tug & Barge Simulation Center at SUNY Maritime College.
In 1993, Bouchard Transportation Co. christened the B. No. 230, which was the first double-hulled barge to enter service in the United States. Joined together for this milestone celebration was (pictured left to right): Mr. John Dane III, former President/CEO, Halter Marine Group Inc.; Mr.
The number of ships waiting to berth at Brazilian ports to load soybeans and its byproducts is currently almost 60 percent larger than in the same period last year, according to data from shipping agency Williams compiled by Reuters.At the same time, the amount of ships that are berthed and currently loading is 42 percent smaller than seen at this time last year.
In 1990, Richie Bates (pictured) joined Bouchard Transportation as a mate on the Ellen S. Bouchard, and soon rose to Captain of the Morton S. Bouchard Jr. in 1994. As one of BTC’s long-standing employees, Capt. Bates currently serves as Captain of the M/V Donna J. Bouchard, and leads his crew with a laser focus on always delivering petroleum products safely and efficiently.
The third generation of the Bouchard family continues within the family business as Buster’s sons Morton S. Bouchard Jr. and Frederick E. Bouchard join the company as Dispatchers in 1955. It was also during this time that Bouchard Transportation Co. furthered the tugboat side of its business with the construction of the Evening Star.
In 1975, tugboats Bouchard Boys and Evening Light enter service, both at 3,900-hp. It was also during this year that Bouchard Transportation Co. formed its long-standing current relationship with Caddell Dry Dock & Repair Co.—a partnership--to this day--is still based on trust, loyalty and family heritage.