JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (June 12, 2012) – W&O and Emerson Process Management are pleased to announce that a Micro Motion® MID-Certified (Measurement Instrument Directive) Marine Bunker Measurement Solution has been installed on a barge operated by Progressive Barge Line, Inc. in the Port of New Orleans, La. Emerson’s bunkering solution provides highly accurate, transparent bunker fuel deliveries. This installation by W&O on the 27,000-ton Progressive barge PBL2402 is the first in North America.
Progressive Barge Line, Inc. (PBL), family owned and operated since 1977, specializes in the supply of bunkers and line-haul movements in the port of New Orleans. PBL owns and operates 11 double-skinned barges ranging from 11,000 barrels to 30,000 barrels with containment rails around each tank, and five push boats ranging from 1570 to 2400 Horsepower. PBL handles around 25 percent of all the bunker deliveries made in the Port of New Orleans.
“Due to our customers’ requirements for more accurate, certified fuel delivery, the Emerson certified bunkering solution was installed on our barge several months ago,” said Terry Boffone, owner of Progressive Barge Line, Inc. “We are already seeing an increase in the accuracy and reliability of our deliveries. Disputes have been eliminated, allowing us to avoid any unnecessary delays in vessel movements and to process payments quickly.”
The system includes a Micro Motion® ELITE® Coriolis flowmeter, Series 3000 transmitter with Marine Bunker Transfer Package, and a bunker delivery ticket printer to generate a receipt that includes the time, date and the total quantity transferred. This receipt can be used as a legal (Weights & Measures) document. The globally certified Micro Motion® bunker custody transfer solution meets International Organization for Legal Metrology (OIML) standards.
The system on the Progressive barge was a turnkey installation led by Warren Garner and Tony Calamia of W&O, with Emerson completing the commissioning and certification. W&O, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the world’s largest suppliers of valves, pipe, fittings, engineered products, valve automation and data management systems for the marine and offshore industries.
“We are pleased to have been involved with this first installation of an OIML certified system in North America,” said Warren Garner, Senior Outside Sales Representative for W&O.
“Progressive Barge Line has the vision to see the benefits that the early adoption of the system brings to their operations and their bottom line. We look forward to bringing this advanced solution and its many benefits to more vessel owners and operators throughout the industry.”
