FEBRUARY 14, 2013 — Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., Melville, NY, has awarded VT Halter Marine, Inc. a new contract to build an articulated tug barge (ATB) unit. The contract includes an option for a second unit that must be exercised within 60 days of the initial contract award.

The barge measures 625 feet by 91 feet by 47 feet, has a 250,000-barrel capacity, and will be used to transport liquid petroleum. The barge is ABS and USCG certified for Jones Act service. The 10,000 hp twin screw ATB tug is classed by ABS as A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M, and will be equipped with an Intercon Coupler System.

Construction of the unit begins April 2013 at the shipbuilder's Pascagoula, MS, shipyard with delivery scheduled for mid 2015. This unit will enter into Bouchard's fleet service in New York, N.Y.

"We are pleased to enter into this contract with VT Halter Marine for the construction of the ATB M/V Bouchard Boys and B.No.270, with an option for the construction of a second unit," said Morton S. Bouchard III. "The Bouchard Boys & B.No.270 will complement Bouchard's growing Gulf Coast fleet and further our ongoing commitment to the Jones Act. Bouchard is pleased to have chosen VT Halter Marine for this project due to our long relationship and history of successful projects."

"We appreciate Bouchard Transportation's confidence in VT Halter Marine and we're delighted to continue our relationship with this long-standing and valued customer. Our team looks forward to delivering another quality built ATB unit to the Bouchard family," said Bill Skinner, Chief Executive Officer, VT Halter Marine