Ergon Christens Mv. Miss Audrey

Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply Inc. welcomed the mv. Miss Audrey to its fleet of harbor boats at Vicksburg, Miss., recently. Ergon held the christening ceremony January 23 in the presence of the namesake’s family and friends. The boat is named for the company’s fuel and harbor service secretary, Audrey Thornton, who worked for Ergon Marine for almost 32 years.

“She was a great asset to the company,” Ergon Vice President of Operations Chris Maxwell said. “Audrey’s dedication and unwavering commitment to Ergon Marine is a testament to her outstanding service to the company. For this reason, a vessel now carries her name.”

The mv. Miss Audrey was formerly the mv. Apache, a 70- by 26-foot twin screw towboat with 1,700 hp. owned by NGL Marine. Ergon Marine bought the boat in April 2023, then had Big River Shipyard in Vicksburg refurbish and outfit it to be a fleet boat.

Big River sandblasted and repainted the entire boat in Ergon colors and added new shafts and rudders and an all-new steering system, Maxwell said.

Ergon operates five other boats at its Vicksburg location, which is located at Mile 437 on the Mississippi River. In addition to fleeting and fuel, the midstreamer offers lubricants, groceries, parts, personal items and crew changes. The crew waiting area is furnished with vending machines and a lounge.

In Memphis, the firm provides fuel and bulk or package lubricants midstream 24 hours a day.

Caption for top photo: Audrey Thornton worked as secretary for Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply for almost 32 years.