Gunderson’s Marine division has received an order from Kirby Offshore Marine to build an articulated ocean-going oil & chemical tank barge, with an option for a second unit, to meet growing demand.
The state-of-the-art 578′ tank barge is one of the largest in Gunderson’s marine history, and has a 185,000 barrel carrying capacity. This order, along with awards being finalized, will bring Greenbrier’s current marine backlog to about $70 million. Construction on the Kirby barge will begin in June 2014, with completion scheduled in 2015.
The outlook for transportation of goods by ocean-going barge is strong, and Greenbrier, through Gunderson Marine, is well-positioned to meet new barge demand. Continued strength in North American shale energy markets, coupled with the unique role U.S. coastal waterways play transporting domestic crude oil and other refined products to and from coastal refineries, and an aging fleet of existing barges, are all driving this demand.
Operating from the largest side launch on the west coast, Gunderson is the only shipyard on the west coast with successful experience in building large, articulated tug barges. Gunderson has the capacity to build up to four large articulated tug barge projects of this size per year.
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Greenbrier, January 16, 2014