ABS classes first US-built liquefied gas barge in years

ABS announced that the ABS-classed Harvest, an articulated tug barge (ATB) purpose-built to transport liquefied anhydrous ammonia, has been delivered to a subsidiary of Savage Companies by U.S. shipbuilder Vigor. The Harvest is the first complex liquefied ammonia transport barge built in the US since 1982.

“The first-of-its-kind in over three decades, the Harvest will help reshape the U.S. fleet and support safer trading in U.S. waters”, says ABS Americas Division President Jamie Smith.

ABS also classed the connecting tug, Abundance, which was constructed and delivered by Washington-based Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. The vessel will support the Jones Act trade of Tampa Port Services, LLC, a subsidiary of The Mosaic Company, producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash.

The ATB will be operated by a subsidiary of Savage Companies, carrying up to 22,000 tons of anhydrous ammonia (NH3), a key ingredient in phosphate-based fertilizer.

“This vessel, which incorporates the latest technologies, is an important part of Tampa Port Services’ operations and will contribute to a more efficient and sustainable Jones Act fleet”, says Vigor Senior Vice President and Program Manager Joe Corvelli.