In a statement the Melville, New York-based operator identified the recipient of the contract to construct the 6,000-hp units as VT Halter Marine.

A spokeswoman tells TradeWinds that the vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2016, which is when the duo will be married with existing Bouchard tugs.

The company plans to equip the Bouchard Boys and Evening Light with Intercon Coupler Systems, which will turn the units into articulated-tug barges (ATBs).

According