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Blessey Marine to launch 85-foot towboat NEW ORLEANS — Blessey Marine Services Inc., will launch its newest towing vessel on Aug. 16, the company announced today. Harahan-based inland tank barge and towing vessel company Blessey Marine owns and operates a fleet of 43 towboats and close to 100 barges that carry cargo ranging from petrochemicals to asphalts. The company’s newest vessel, an 85-foot, 2000-horepower towboat, will be christened the M/V James L. Oberstar, after the Minnesota Congressman who has been a leading voice on Mississippi River preservation. Until now, vessels in the Blessey fleet have been named for family members or outstanding employees. “James Obestar has taken the time to understand the inland marine business and its importance to our nation’s economy and we are pleased to recognize him and acknowledge his support of our industry,” said Walter Blessey Jr., the president and founder of the company. Blessey Marine plans to launch another three boats by the end of January, expanding its towboat fleet to 50 vessels, Blessey said. Over the next two years, the company will launch a total of 24 double-hulled barges and another seven new towboats. “We are a company that’s growing due to customer demand, not necessarily due to growth in our industry,” Blessey said. “Our market share has grown dramatically because of the relationships we’ve built with our clients.” Blessey said prolonged high oil prices could have a negative effect on his business, if the commonly held business principal that higher prices lead to less demand holds true. But he said for now he isn’t concerned. “I am very optimistic about our industry and our place in it,” he said. He said he has no plans to expand into other types of vessel work, such as offshore supply for the petroleum industry. The Oberstar christening will take place Tuesday on the New Orleans riverfront. By A.J. Mistretta |
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