Investments in green technology often mean that high initial costs can only be recouped over a period of years. But Hawaiian Tug & Barge/Young Brothers, investments in a series of four new barges are translating into immediate savings, not to
Investments in green technology often mean that high initial costs can only be recouped over a period of years. But Hawaiian Tug & Barge/Young Brothers, investments in a series of four new barges are translating into immediate savings, not to mention improved services for the thousands of customers who rely on us for bringing everything from Kula lettuce to koa furniture between our islands.
HTB/YB recently welcomed the third of four new barges, part of a $186 million investment plan announced in 2006 to provide greater benefits and service to customers across the State. Even before the new 3,175-ton vessel had time to be formally introduced, it was placed immediately into service, ferrying cargo to the Big Island when its sister freight barge, the Ho‘omaka Hou, introduced to the fleet in 2007, sustained slight damage.
Another new barge, the Maka‘ala, was commissioned into service in July 2008. A fourth barge, the Ha‘aheo, is expected to arrive in August of this year.
We expect the barges to reduce our fuel consumption, energy costs, and our environmental footprint as measured by carbon emissions. All four barges carry 40 percent more cargo per voyage than our older workhorse vessels, which have been serving the islands for 25 to 30 years. Another measure of energy efficiency is cargo tons per gallon of fuel consumed. The new barges can transport significantly more tons of cargo per gallon of fuel used per voyage. The barges are also designed with sleeker hulls that offer less resistance at the waterline, resulting in faster towing speeds and less fuel consumed by the towing tug.
Another environmentally friendly feature resides deep inside the barges. An internal ballasting system, which levels the barges for cargo loading and unloading, consists of fresh water moving from one of four tanks to another; no water is pumped into the ocean. This means zero discharges of ballast water. A bonus: Because corrosive seawater is not used, as in older barge models, maintenance costs will be lower. Concrete wear decks protect the steel-plated main deck while providing a smooth surface for cargo loading.
These measures reduce our carbon footprint on the environment, in addition to meeting our customers’ needs.
Young Brothers has been providing a shipping lifeline to our islands for more than 100 years, ever since our founders William and Jack Young started a “bumboat” business in 1900. The harbor boats at that time were wooden vessels that offered ocean towing, rescue service, and barge transportation first between Oahu and Molokai, then to all the major islands.
Today, Young Brothers and our sister company Hawaiian Tug & Barge transport the majority of inter-island freight for residents and businesses with a full fleet of barges, tugs, and shoreside equipment.
Cargo volumes between Honolulu and the Neighbor Islands have grown significantly in the past eight years. And although the economic slowdown has affected volume, we are ready to fulfill our customers’ freight requirements now and in the future.
Young Brothers, Limited provides inter-island cargo service throughout the State of Hawaii with ports in Honolulu, Kahului, Molokai, Lanai, Hilo, Kawaihae and Nawiliwili. Visit YB at www.youngbrothershawaii.com.
• Mark Houghton is Vice President of Marine Operations and Young Brothers, Limited.
