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AMBRIDGE, PA, Apr. 20,1948- U.S. Steel's American Bridge Division marked the launching of the 5,000th barge built at its Ambridge plant with ceremonies today on the banks of the Ohio River attended by government, business and community leaders.
Festooned with red, white and blue bunting and flying an American flag, the 293-ton barge was christened with the traditional bottle of champagne before it descended the ways into the river. The huge water freight carrier can transport about 1,667 tons of dry cargo and measures 35 feet by 200 feet with a 12-foot depth of hull.
Officially christening the barge was Mrs. Rod C. Helsing, wife of the president of the American River Transportation Company (Decatur, 111.). Assisting her was Harry B. Crossfield, president of U.S. Steel's American Bridge Division who hosted the barge launching program.
The new vessel is among 150 being built by American Bridge for the American River Transportation Company, making this the largest barge-building contract in the Ambridge plant's 76-year history.
Last year, the plant's marine department launched 138 barges and expects to do better this year because of increased customer demand. None of the barges,
however, are produced from "stock" drawings. Instead, they are custom designed to serve the particular needs of individual customers.