SIU members are sailing aboard the new tug Sea Reliance and its accompanying double-hulled barge 550-1, operated by Intrepid Ship Management. Together, the Sea Reliance and the 550-1 form an articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessel unit that transports clean oil products. The hinged connection system between the units “allows movement in one axis or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch,” Intrepid noted.SIU President Michael Sacco was a featured speaker during the ATB’s christening April 25 in New Orleans. “The tug Sea Reliance and the barge that goes with it both represent exactly the kind of progress we work for. Today we celebrate an all-American ATB—built in an American yard, crewed by American mariners, and owned by Americans,” he stated.
“This is another important step in strengthening all phases of the merchant marine,” Sacco continued. “In order to best serve the national and economic security interests of the United States, our country deserves nothing less than a strong, viable U.S. fleet. That goes for all segments of the industry—from the deep sea and coast-wise trades, to the inland and Great Lakes fleets, to the passenger ships and of course our shipyards. All of those components are vital, especially in these uncertain times. That’s why we never should take a ceremony like this one for granted.”
The 9,280-horsepower tug is 127 feet long and 42 feet wide. Built at Halter Marine’s Moss Point (Miss.) yard, the Sea Reliance meets all Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and American Bureau of Shipping criteria. It has a foam-capable fire monitor; twin fuel efficient, reduced emission electronic diesel engines; a noise reduction package and other upgrades to increase crew comfort. The communication and navigation equipment is among the most technologically advanced in the industry.
The barge, which has a capacity of 155,000 barrels, is 500 feet long and 74 feet wide. It was constructed at Halter’s Bienville yard in Pearlington, Miss. The 550-1 features an enhanced cargo system and a fully redundant ballast system, among other safety attributes.
Tony Naccarato for Intrepid described the ATB as “completely state-of-the-art. This is an excellent addition and we look forward to many years of safe operations.”
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