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.