Seafarers are sailing aboard the newest articulated tug-barge (ATB) operated by Intrepid Ship Management.The tug Coastal Reliance and its accompanying barge 550-4 were christened Nov. 18 in Long Beach, Calif., although they already had been operating for some time. The ATB is the fourth in a program of new builds.
The 9,280-horsepower tug Coastal Reliance and 155,000-barrel barge 550-4 were built by Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
“I’m confident that the well-trained SIU members crewing up the Coastal Reliance and 550-4 will continue to do a great job, just as their brother and sister Seafarers have done exemplary work aboard the other new ATBs,” said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez.
Also in service are the Sea Reliance/550-1, the Sound Reliance/550-2 and the Ocean Reliance/550-3.
The key difference between the newly constructed ATBs and the traditional West Coast tug and barge unit is the method of attachment. The ATB tug is attached to the stern notch of the barge with an Intercon coupler system allowing the tug to push the barge at sea versus the traditional means of towing the barge at sea. The primary benefits of the ATB configuration are greater speed (12 knots versus seven to nine knots), higher fuel efficiency and greater handling capability.
According to the company, the ATB tank vessel incorporates the latest advances in environmental protection and safety while providing increased efficiencies in hose handling, anchoring, mooring, discharge and loading of product. The 550-4 is double hulled and the tug is double sided.
The barge, built, documented and maintained to the requirements of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) “SafeHull” standards, has an inert gas system as well as an enhanced cargo system and a fully redundant ballast system.
The Coastal Reliance meets all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and 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.
Printer Friendly Page