Signal wins contract to build ATB

Signal wins contract to build ATB    Mobile, Ala.-based Signal International said it has won a $47 million contract to build an articulated tug-barge unit for Kirby Ocean Transport Co. The deal includes an option for an additional unit.
   The ATB will transport dry-bulk commodities in United States coastwise trade. Kirby Ocean Transport is the offshore tug-and-barge owning and operating subsidiary of Kirby Corp., the nation’s leading inland tank barge company.
   The ATB will include a 20,000-deadweight-ton ocean bulk barge with a 6,000-break horsepower ocean tug. The barge will measure 480 feet by 90 feet by 36 feet, and will be outfitted with Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering's Articouple connection. The tugboat will be 125 feet by 42 feet by 22 feet.
   Barge fabrication work will commence in the second quarter at Signal's yard in Orange, Texas. Signal said the first ATB will be completed in 14 months and the optional ATB could be built in less than 12 months.