Boatnerd Discussion Forum

looks like the thompson is on its way

Thompson, tug and barge, has departed Escanaba

they were getting fuel this morning. the barge has move some but they are not mated up

The Tug Joe Thompson, came out of the Northshore Drydock, yesterday

thompson went into drydock this morning.

The Schipper wrote:On Facebook pictures of the upgrading of the Thompson. Weather permitting tug going on drydock Monday or Tuesday for a new bow to fit the new notch on the barge.

What Facebook page?

On Facebook pictures of the upgrading of the Thompson. Weather permitting tug going on drydock Monday or Tuesday for a new bow to fit the new notch on the barge.

garbear wrote:I'm assuming the new VanEnkevort barge will be the same size as the Erie Trader and Great Lakes Trader. Doesn't make sense they'd use the "new" tug to push a smaller barge like the Joe Thompson.

Sources in the industry say that's how it's going to go down - the new tug will push the Thompson.

It makes sense if the new tug shortens the duo enough to do Cuyahoga runs.

I'm assuming the new VanEnkevort barge will be the same size as the Erie Trader and Great Lakes Trader. Doesn't make sense they'd use the "new" tug to push a smaller barge like the Joe Thompson.

Their new to them tug on the way here?

they are doing steel work on the bow of the tug.

The new rug is going to push the Thompson and rumor is the Thompson will push their new barge.

I suspect you will see the JHT out in the next thirty days or so, but with a new (different) tug. I won't get into any speculation as to why the JHT Jr will not be pushing her. VTB may make an announcement when they are ready, or just wait and see.

It was at the dock in Escanaba last Thursday, and the tug and barge were not connected

They've been in layup now in Escanaba since January 23 I think is the arrival date for lay-up? They have yet to fit-out for the 2019 shipping season and both the Clyde and the Joyce Van Enkevort are out sailing. What's up and going on that the Thompson has yet to fit-out this season? As long as I can recall in recent memory, they have always been out running since their conversion at least to a barge. Information is appreciated. Thanks.