Amherst Madison Names Vessel After Personnel Director

On September 26, Amherst Madison Inc., Charleston, W. Va., honored longtime personnel director Minerva Richardson by christening a vessel in her name. The christening was held prior to an employee luncheon where Richardson was surrounded by her family and co-workers. The vessel’s namesake, who recently announced her plans to retire beginning in December, has been a cornerstone of the company, said Robert McCoy, president.

“Throughout her remarkable 49-year career, she has played a pivotal role in developing the careers of many river personnel,” McCoy said. “Her work ethic and dedication to not only the company but equally to the crews is unmatched.”

“Minerva’s kindness, patience and unwavering loyalty to the Jones family, her colleagues and the legacy of Amherst Madison have touched countless lives,” McCoy added. “It is only fitting to change the name of the mv. Alabama to mv. Ms. Minerva in her honor.”

The mv. Ms. Minerva, originally constructed in 1970 by Halter Marine Services in Lockport, La., was acquired in 2009 by Madison Coal & Supply, which became Amherst Madison in January 2010. The vessel is powered by twin Tier 3 MTU M504R 8V-4000 engines, producing a combined 2,000 horsepower.