Joseph H. Thompson Jr. – Dirk S. VanEnkevort
1990-Present
Articulated Tugboat, Hydraconn Coupler; Paired with Barge Michigan Trader
Specs
Build Information
Year Built: 1990
Builder: Upper Lakes Towing, Marinette, WI
Hull #–
Registry: U.S. 949094
IMO #5175745
Laid Down: —
Launch Date: —
Commissioned: 1991
Paired Barges:
Construction
The Joseph H. Thompson Jr. was constructed in 1990 as an articulated tugboat at Marinette, Wisconsin, by Upper Lakes Towing. The Thompson Jr. was constructed by building a tug hull around the Joseph H. Thompson barge’s original propeller and rudder and cutting the tug hull free from the barge. Portions of the tug’s hull date back to 1945.
The Joseph H. Thompson Jr. was fitted with a Hydraconn Articulated Tug/Barge connection system, being originally mated with the barge Joseph H. Thompson.
Modifications
- Pilothouse heightened, Erie Marine, Erie, Pennsylvania, 2006.
- Re-engined, Erie Marine, Erie, Pennsylvania, 2006.
- Rebuilt to fit with barge Michigan Trader, Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair, Erie, Pennsylvania, 2020.
General Stats
Length Overall [Combined Tug & Barge]: 857′
Length Overall [Tug]: 147′
Breadth: 38′
Depth: 30′
Vessel Type: Articulated Tugboat
Propellers: 1
Rudders: 1
Engineering Equipment
Original
Engine
Engine Type: Diesel Engine
Engine Manufacturer: General Motors, Detroit, MI
Engine Model: 7FDM16
Number of Engines: 3
Rated HP: 3000 BHP
Repower – 2006
Engine Type: Diesel Engine
Engine Manufacturer: MaK, Kien, Germany
Engine Model: 6M32C
Number of Engines: 2
Rated HP: 8000 BHP
History
Lineage
Joseph H. Thompson Jr. – 1990-2015
Owner: Upper Lakes Towing, Escanaba, MI
Operator: Upper Lakes Towing
Flag: United States
Home Port: Escanaba, MI
Joseph H. Thompson Jr. – 2015-2020
Owner: VanEnkevort Tug & Barge, Escanaba, MI
Operator: VanEnkevort Tug & Barge
Flag: United States
Home Port: Escanaba, MI
Dirk S. VanEnkevort – 2020-Present
Owner: VanEnkevort Tug & Barge, Escanaba, MI
Operator: VanEnkevort Tug & Barge
Flag: United States
Home Port: Escanaba, MI
Her Story
The Joseph H. Thompson Jr. was constructed in 1990 as an articulated tugboat at Marinette, Wisconsin, by Upper Lakes Towing. The Thompson Jr. was built by constructing the tug’s hull around the Joseph H. Thompson barge’s original propeller and rudder and cutting the tug hull free from the barge. The pair entered service in late 1990.
In 2015, the Joseph H. Thompson and Joseph H. Thompson Jr. were acquired by VanEnkevort Tug & Barge of Escanaba, Michigan. The pair’s operations remained the same.
In September 2019, VanEnkevort’s new tug Laura L. VanEnkevort took over as the primary push tug for the barge Joseph H. Thompson. After being relieved of her duties with the Thompson, the Joseph H. Thompson Jr. sailed to Erie, Pennsylvania, to the Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair facility, where she underwent a refit prior to entering service with the new barge Michigan Trader in late 2020. The pair entered service on November 20, 2020.
Compiled By Brendan Falkowski
Updated on January 8, 2021
Gallery
Sources
Ferguson, Brian. “Joseph H. Thompson Jr.”. Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online. N.d. Accessed 6 July 2020. http://boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/JosephHThompsonJr.htm
Greenwood’s Guide to Great Lakes Shipping 2016, Harbor House Publishers, 2016. Pp. 6.19.
Pennock, Isaac. “Joseph H. Thompson Jr.”. Great Lakes Tugs & Workboats. N.d. Accessed 6 July 2020. https://gltugs.wordpress.com/joseph-h-thompson-jr/
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