On March 7, Ingram Marine Group, Nashville, Tenn., held a special christening ceremony for three new 69'x30' vessels: the Patrick L. Morton, Teresa Sprouse, and Gary L. Holman. Each vessel is named after a distinguished, long-term Ingram associate and built at Main Iron Works, Houma, La.
These are the sixth, seventh, and eighth new vessels built in a series of 10 ordered by Ingram Marine Group. They are four-decked, welded steel, USCG Subchapter M-compliant towboats designed by Ingram Marine Group, Main Iron Works, and Ashraf Degedy, PE.
The new towboats are outfitted with twin Caterpillar Marine tier 3 diesel engines and Reintjes gearboxes, John Deer generators, and Michigan Wheel propellers.
“Patrick, Teresa, and Gary have nearly 100 years of combined experience, and their longevity and depth of experience are amazing examples of ‘The Ingram Way,’ Orrin Ingram, chairman of Ingram Marine Group and CEO of Ingram Industries, said in a statement announcing the new deliveries. “They have all made such significant contributions over their time with us. They have tremendous work ethic, treat others with respect, and are terrific leaders. Each is absolutely deserving of this recognition, and I’m proud to celebrate with them and their loved ones today.”
The live-aboard vessels feature a 33' eye level and have capacities of 12,000 gals. of fuel and 4,600 gals. potable water.
“Christening a vessel is one of the highest honors we can bestow, and Patrick, Teresa, and Gary have each earned this special distinction,” said John Roberts, president & CEO of Ingram Marine Group. “All three are highly respected by their peers professionally and in their communities outside of work. Not only have they seen great success in their own careers, they have supported and mentored many others along the way. The christenings of these vessels is well-deserved.”
The Patrick L. Morton is named in honor of Ingram’s associate vice president of logistics and customer service. Patrick Morton joined Ingram in 1997 and, over the years, has been a cornerstone leader in the company’s Reserve, La., office. Working in vessel operations as well as logistics and customer service, he is known for his steady leadership and kind nature. Morton is actively involved in the maritime community, including The Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association, The Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association and The United Way of St. John. Patrick is also a dedicated family man and has been married to his wife Tammy for more than 35 years. They share three children: Matthew, Michael and Maggie.
The Teresa Sprouse is dedicated to our associate vice president of financial planning, analysis & reporting. Teresa Sprouse has served Ingram for more than 35 years, beginning her career as a senior accountant for Ingram Book Co. She transferred to Ingram Industries in 1999 before coming to Ingram Barge Co. in 2007. Sprouse is known throughout the Nashville office for her friendly smile and unwavering support of her team and colleagues. She is the proud mother of her daughter, Kayla, and son, Jordan, and has been blessed with seven grandchildren. Sprouse is also a very active member of her church community.
The Gary L. Holman is named after Ingram’s vice president of barge maintenance. Growing up in a small river town in Western Kentucky, he became fascinated with the marine industry at a young age and was drawn to Ingram’s vessels. Just over 36 years ago, Gary joined Ingram as a welder. Over the years, his strong work ethic and natural ability to build teams up found him taking on various leadership roles, including barge inspector, manager, general manager and director of barge maintenance. He wears many different hats within the company and continues to serve as a mentor to many. Outside of work, Holman is a family man. He and his wife, Cindy, are the proud parents of Garett, who is also an Ingram associate and grandparents to Harper and Brayden.
