Gray Offshore (part of the Gray Barge group of companies) takes delivery of a 300’x100’x19’10” ABS Classed Ocean Deck Barge from Conrad Shipyard L.L.C. The Barge “Julius” is the first project delivered from Conrad Shipyard’s newest facility, Deepwater South, in Amelia, LA. Dan Conrad, Senior Vice President, states “To be able to deliver barges of this size and quality, on time and on budget, from this facility is evident of diversity and commitment to our valued customers such as John Gray," the Company said in its press release.
“This addition to our fleet, with its 6000lbs/ft2, heavy duty deck configuration and radial “spoon” bow, offers our customers optimal solutions for their heavy lift needs. Adding the “Julius” to our growing Ocean Barge fleet currently consisting of two 260’ ABS barges “Cordie” and “Gwendolyn”, also constructed at Conrad, gives our customers more options and is the right fit to satisfy the markets need to move increasingly heavier over dimensional and project cargos both internationally and domestically” says John Gray President of Gray Offshore and its affiliated Gray Barge Companies, who also provide a fleet of over 90 inland, spud, waste, rock, and deck barges for charter.
Barge “Julius” has a 6000 psf Uniform Deck Payload built with 3/4” plate, 1/2” side plate, 3 longitudinal corrugated bulkheads, 7 transverse corrugated bulkheads; and features 6 all recessed bitts, 12 kevels, 32 manholes, 32 watertight compartments, 3 towing eyes and many other enhanced usability features. Deadweight capacity is listed at 9,842lt and lightship draft is listed at 3.057’. The “Julius” is US Flagged and Jones Act compliant.
Gray Barge Group was founded as J.R. Gray Barge, Inc. in 1946 by J. Ralph Gray and owned by his grandson John S. Gray. The Group specializes in the marine transportation and logistics. The Gray Barge fleet currently includes more than 90 barges, some of them having ABS Full Ocean Class. The Gray Barge headquarters is located in Houma, Louisiana, with additional fleeting locations in Lake Charles and Venice, Louisiana, as well as Ingleside, Texas.