Tidewater Transportation and Terminals, Vancouver, Wash., announced it has finalized a contract with Gunderson Marine & Iron, Portland, Ore., to build four new liquid refined product barges for operation in the Pacific Northwest.
Designed by Elliott Bay Design Group, Seattle, for service on the Columbia Snake River System, the 272’x42’x18’6” inland liquid tank barges will be certified by the U.S. Coast Guard and comply with OPA 90 requirements. Each will have capacity of 20,000 barrels.
The first two barges are expected to be delivered in May and July 2026, while the remaining two are scheduled for delivery in November 2026 and February 2027.
“This investment is a testament to our dedication to meeting the growing needs of our customers and the communities we serve,” said Johan Sperling, president and CEO of Tidewater. “By partnering with Gunderson Marine & Iron, we are not only strengthening our fleet but also supporting a valued local business that shares our commitment to quality and innovation.”
Dee Burch, president of Gunderson Marine & Iron, said, “This contract is a win for our workforce and the regional economy. We look forward to delivering high-quality barges that will serve Tidewater and its customers for decades to come.”
Jeff Murphy, portfolio manager of Ullico Infrastructure Fund, which owns a majority stake in Tidewater, said, “We are excited about this next phase of Tidewater’s fleet modernization. These new barges will bolster our ability to transport vital energy products safely and efficiently while ensuring we continue to meet the highest operational and environmental standards.”
