By Karen Robes Meeks
On Thursday, Vancouver, Washington-operated Tidewater Barge Lines’ towing vessel Crown Point received an initial Certificate of Inspection (COI) from the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Portland. This is the first on the US West Coast to be issued a COI under the new inspected towing vessel rules, referred to as Subchapter M.
The 98-foot, 4,480-horsepower towing vessel that moves barges to and from Lewiston, Idaho and Vancouver, Wash., is one of 130 towing vessels in service on the Columbia-Snake River System.
“The Columbia and Snake River Systems move 24 billion dollars of cargo on an annual basis and the towing vessels that fall under the regulations listed under Subchapter M are an integral part of this economically valuable marine transportation system,” said Capt. Tom Griffitts, commanding officer MSU Portland. “The Subchapter M regulations will provide safer vessel movement, safer working conditions for crewmembers, reduce marine casualties, and will help avoid environmental and property damage,” he added.
Towing vessels must comply with the Subchapter M regulations by July 20. To coordinate and schedule Subchapter M inspections, towing vessel owners and operators may reach out to their local Coast Guard Inspection office. MSU Portland’s towing vessel inspectors are available at 503-240-9374 or by email at TOWPDX@uscg.mil.
Visit www.dco.uscg.mil/tvncoe for more details on Subchapter M regulations and compliance.
Showing posts with label Tidewater Barge Lines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tidewater Barge Lines. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Friday, January 24, 2014
Vigor to Build 3 Tidewater Tugs
By Mark Edward Nero
Vigor Industrial said Jan. 22 that its large-scale metalworking division has been awarded a contract with Vancouver, Wash.-based Tidewater Barge Lines to build three new tugboats. Vigor Fab is expected to start construction Jan. 24 at the company’s Portland facility.
Although Tidewater has rebuilt and repowered several vessels in its fleet over the years, the tugs will be the first newly built vessels for the company in nearly three decades. Delivery of the first tug is expected in December 2014, with the other two to follow in 2015.
“We are eager to start our new build program and be able to put these tugs to work for our customers,” Tidewater President & CEO Bob Curcio said in a statement. “These tugs are a welcome addition to the growing Tidewater fleet. We are excited to make the investments necessary to address the needs of our customers.”
The state-of-the-art vessels were specially designed by CT Marine of Edgecomb, Maine, to service the Columbia River market. The tug engines are expected to be EPA Tier III compliant and provide upgraded environmental standards for cleaner emissions and a lower environmental impact. The design also features ergonomic accommodations and comforts proven to minimize fatigue and reduce injuries amongst crew.
The vessels are all designed with a length of 102 feet, a width of 38 feet and a draft of 11 feet. Each will have two Caterpillar 3516 Tier 3 Engines, with 4,500 horsepower total.
“Vigor will put its considerable experience to work building these new tugboats,” Vigor Industrial sales manager Bryan Nichols said. “These new builds are evidence of how we are inspiring confidence in our customers and growing our shipbuilding business.”
Vigor Industrial said Jan. 22 that its large-scale metalworking division has been awarded a contract with Vancouver, Wash.-based Tidewater Barge Lines to build three new tugboats. Vigor Fab is expected to start construction Jan. 24 at the company’s Portland facility.
Although Tidewater has rebuilt and repowered several vessels in its fleet over the years, the tugs will be the first newly built vessels for the company in nearly three decades. Delivery of the first tug is expected in December 2014, with the other two to follow in 2015.
“We are eager to start our new build program and be able to put these tugs to work for our customers,” Tidewater President & CEO Bob Curcio said in a statement. “These tugs are a welcome addition to the growing Tidewater fleet. We are excited to make the investments necessary to address the needs of our customers.”
The state-of-the-art vessels were specially designed by CT Marine of Edgecomb, Maine, to service the Columbia River market. The tug engines are expected to be EPA Tier III compliant and provide upgraded environmental standards for cleaner emissions and a lower environmental impact. The design also features ergonomic accommodations and comforts proven to minimize fatigue and reduce injuries amongst crew.
The vessels are all designed with a length of 102 feet, a width of 38 feet and a draft of 11 feet. Each will have two Caterpillar 3516 Tier 3 Engines, with 4,500 horsepower total.
“Vigor will put its considerable experience to work building these new tugboats,” Vigor Industrial sales manager Bryan Nichols said. “These new builds are evidence of how we are inspiring confidence in our customers and growing our shipbuilding business.”
