New Towing Company Passes ‘Bridging’ Inspection
Waterways Journal
April 2010
TowLine River Services, with just one year in business, is the first in
the Pittsburgh area to pass inspection by the Coast Guard under the new
Towing Vessel Bridging Program (TVBP). The mv. Francis J. Blank,
operated
by TowLine, passed the inspection on February 5 and was issued
a Certificate of Inspection decal indicating compliance with existing
regulations. The inspection was performed by CWO John Lee.
Begun this year, the Bridging program will require all uninspected
towing vessels that fall under the subchapter M regulations to pass
inspection under the new regulations.
“We are very happy with the level of cooperation and level of support
from all of our industry partners,” said Cmdr. Richard Timme of the
Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh. “This is going to be a
process that continues, and accelerates over the next 18 months.
Examining the UTV Francis J. Blank and working with
TowLine River Services as our first industry-initiated exam is a great
example of the communication, initiative, and collaboration that it
will take from all of us to successfully implement the new towing
vessel regulations.”
TowLine was founded by John Fedkoe, who previously worked for Tri-River
Fleeting & Harbor Service in charge of personnel, safety, and
security. Bringing several previous employees and family-owned values
to the new company, TowLine started operations in March of 2009 with
the capability to provide line-haul as well as local tug service and
shifting in the Three Rivers area.
The Francis J. Blank was completely repowered and
renovated in 2008 at Blank River Services, Inc. shipyard in Elizabeth,
Pa. Completed in February of 2009, the three-deck vessel, measuring 65
by 23 feet, is equipped with two new Cummins QSK19-P T2 engines,
totaling 1,200 hp. at 1,800 rpm. The engines turn 62- by 44-inch
four-blade propellers through Twin Disc 5170 DC reduction gears with a
5.95:1 ratio. Blanks replaced the old hull using ASM36 3/8-inch steel
plate on the bow, stern, port and starboard sides.
The vessel holds 9,500 gallons of fuel, 3,000 gallons of water, and 200
gallons of lube oil. Radar, radios, and a DeHart swing meter were
provided by Three Rivers Marine Electronics. Blank, with the help of
Ferrell Machinery, did extensive work to the entire underside of the
vessel including new shafts, steering and flanking rudders, and wheels.
“Rich Blank did a wonderful job of completely renovating the vessel
from bow to stern and everything in between. Having a vessel with
basically everything either brand new or completely rebuilt, combined
with previous experience with The American Waterways Operators’
Responsible Carrier Program, made it much easier to get everything in
place to pass the Coast Guard inspection,” said Fedkoe.
With a crew of six and newly remodeled interior, the Francis J.
Blank works mainly for Greer Industries hauling in excess of
9,600 tons of limestone per week between Morgantown, W.Va., and
Pittsburgh.
“TowLine River Services has provided Greer Limestone Company with the
personalized service we were looking for when we purchased our barges,”
said Brian Blankenship, vice president of Greer Limestone. We have had
a great first year from which both myself and Greer’s many customers
have benefitted. We look forward to continued growth from TowLine in
the future.”
TowLine added two other vessels to its fleet in April of 2009. The mv. John
Kushner pushes 25,000 tons of sand and gravel per week between
Georgetown and Neville Island for Frank Bryan Inc. The mv. Timothy
James works the different unloading facilities owned by Frank
Bryan Inc.
TowLine’s plans for the coming year include maintaining their good
relationships with Greer Industries and Frank Bryan Inc. by continuing
to provide safe, reliable service. “With a great first year and the
TVBP Certificate of Inspection under our belt, we are ready to expand
our client base and take on additional work in the Three Rivers area,”
said Fedkoe.