For the first time in company history, Vane Brothers is operating a tugboat and barge in the Great Lakes region.
“Similar to Vane’s arrival on the West Coast two years ago, the Great Lakes region represents an exciting business opportunity in a new geographic area,” says Vane President C. Duff Hughes. “The potential is here for long-term success in partnership with a valued customer.”
Vane vessels are involved in the movement of asphalt while operating around cities such as Detroit, Michigan; Buffalo, New York; and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Ports-of-call in Ontario, Canada are also on the schedule. According to Captain Rick Iuliucci, Vane’s Vice President, Operations. “We have the equipment, personnel and expertise to take full advantage of our presence in this new operational area for an extended period.”
With Captain Tim Ladd at the helm, the Vane tug New York brought the barge Double Skin 509A into the region in October. Ladd handed off to Captain Steve Tillett, and then Captain Rusty Harris came on board in mid-November.
“It’s been exciting learning about the area and the conditions we expect to face moving forward,” says Captain Harris, “We’ve been told that the weather gets rougher quicker, so we need to be prepared for anything.”
Though the worst of winter is yet to come, Captain Harris and his crew were already welcomed by snow upon arriving in Green Bay for the first time, and they observed spray freezing as it hit the boat.
“When I left home, I was wearing shorts and flip-flops,” says Captain Harris, a Virginia Beach resident. “I wish I had packed my heavy coat for this trip!”
For more information, contact Blaise Willig at bwillig@vanebrothers.com
About Vane Brothers
Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland since its founding in 1898, Vane Brothers serves the maritime industry along the U.S. East, West and Gulf coasts, and along the North Border between the U.S. and Canada. The company provides a wide range of functions such as bunkering, launch services and safety equipment inspection. Operating approximately 50 tugboats and 80 barges, Vane Brothers sets the standard of excellence in the maritime industry with up-to-date equipment, well-trained crews and a commitment to safety and the environment.