ABS Classes U.S.-built Liquefied Gas Barge

Delivery of the Harvest represents significant milestone for the U.S. fleet.

Houston - July 26, 2017

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, is pleased to confirm that the ABS-classed Harvest, an articulated tug barge (ATB) purpose-built to transport liquefied anhydrous ammonia, has been delivered to a subsidiary of Savage Companies by U.S. shipbuilder Vigor.

“The delivery of this ATB represents a landmark achievement for all of the project stakeholders as well as the U.S. shipbuilding industry,” says ABS Americas Division President Jamie Smith. “The first-of-its-kind in over three decades, the Harvest will help reshape the U.S. fleet and support safer trading in U.S. waters.”


The Harvest is the first complex liquefied ammonia transport barge built in the U.S. since 1982. Image by ABS

The Harvest is the first complex liquefied ammonia transport barge built in the U.S. since 1982. ABS also classed the connecting tug, Abundance, which was constructed and delivered by Washington-based Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. The vessel will support the Jones Act trade of Tampa Port Services, LLC, a subsidiary of The Mosaic Company, the world’s leading producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash. The ATB will be operated by a subsidiary of Savage Companies, carrying up to 22,000 tons of anhydrous ammonia (NH3), a key ingredient in phosphate-based fertilizer.

“Working with the ABS Global Gas Solutions team and leveraging its experience in safety and innovation supported a successful delivery of the Harvest on an aggressive schedule,” says Vigor Senior Vice President and Program Manager Joe Corvelli. “This vessel, which incorporates the latest technologies, is an important part of Tampa Port Services’ operations and will contribute to a more efficient and sustainable Jones Act fleet.”

Recognizing the changing landscape and increased industry focus on gas, ABS launched its Global Gas Solutions team in 2013 to support industry in developing gas-related projects. The ABS Global Gas Solutions team provides industry leadership, offering guidance in liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating structures and systems, gas fuel systems and equipment, gas carriers, and regulatory and statutory requirements. ABS has extensive experience with the full scope of gas-related assets and has been the classification society of choice for some of the most advanced gas carriers in service.

About ABS
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.

ABS press release