Photo by Scott Richards

 

Photo by Nancy Cline

 

Banner Photo by Gus & David Schauer

Founded in 1967, VTB continues to be an established leader in the Great Lakes marine logistics industry. As a family-owned company tracing its history of more than 50 years on the Great Lakes, VTB is a modern marine transportation business that prides itself on being small, nimble, and reliable. We provide dry bulk marine transportation on the Great Lakes, along with ship crewing and technical management services to other marine operators.

Below are just a few highlights of what VTB provides for its customers.

  • The VTB fleet includes four state of the art self-unloading ATB’s (Articulated Tug - Barges), ranging in carrying capacity of 22,000 - 42,000 net tons

  • Fleet combined carrying capacity of approximately 140,000 net tons, in a single voyage

  • At 845 feet, with a capacity of 42,000 net tons, the Great Lakes Trader and Erie Trader are the largest ATB’s on the Great Lakes

  • Self-unloading discharge rates from 4,500 to 8,700 net tons per hour

  • VTB’s Joseph H Thompson barge was recently paired with a newly acquired tug Laura L VanEnkevort, resulting in a shorter and more maneuverable ATB unit capable of handling cargo in the river trade

  • Over the last decade, VTB has invested in building the youngest Great Lakes fleet with an average age of 13 years

  • VTB provides ownership and ship management services for four phosphoric acid barges in the Gulf of Mexico and lower Missippi River system

  • Shore-side support locations in Traverse City, MI, and Cleveland, OH

  • Long-standing contracts and relationships with blue-chip customers consuming various bulk commodities throughout the Great Lakes

  • VTB is a real-world example of a cutting edge fleet that is environmentally friendly and nimble. As we continue to grow, new developments and improvements in our fleet will set us far ahead of our competitors and raise the bar for both customer service and efficiency within the Great Lakes trade

We have the privilege to collaborate with longstanding and established steel producers, aggregate producers and consumers, and other industries which utilize the VTB fleet for their bulk raw material movements within the Great Lakes.