Named after Mary Elizabeth Gattle, the granddaughter of Tom Gattle, president and CEO of Terral RiverService Inc., the vessel’s primary work will be towing aggregates between Vulcan Quarry in Kentucky and Terral RiverService Inc.’s Old River fleet. On her maiden voyage, the M/V Mary Elizabeth Gattle towed 24 barges Northbound.

Designed by Tim Hovas and built at NewSouth Marine Construction Inc.’s Greenville, Mississippi shipyard, the boat was complete on May 9. The M/V Mary Elizabeth Gattle is the largest boat built by NewSouth to date, and measures 140 feet by 38 feet, has a depth of 12 feet, and a draft of 9 feet 6 inches.

“Of the boats that NewSouth Marine and Tim Hovas have built, I think it’s probably the very best we’ve come up with. It’s quiet. It’s very crew-friendly. It’s strong. It’s very powerful. It’s smooth. It’s a great boat.” Tom Gattle president and CEO of Terral RiverService Inc. said.

Shortly after Mary Elizabeth christened the boat, guests enjoyed a short tour that took the vessel to the Mississippi River and back. The Christening Ceremony was followed by a reception with live music performed by the Patrick Smith Band and food at Terral’s shoreside headquarters.

Mary Elizabeth Gattle with grandfather Tom Gattle, President and CEO of Terral RiverService Inc.

Gattle and Terral Family Members.

“Terral really made me feel like a part of their family from day one,” Felicia said. “I have never really worked for a company who genuinely cares for you they way they do.”

Felicia’s main goal as a Fleet Scheduler is to ensure that the boats keep running on schedule, so as not to affect customers. She enjoys the daily variation that her job brings.

“It’s something I really enjoy, because it’s something different every day,” Felicia said.

Outside of work, Felicia enjoys spending time with her church family and leads a Sunday School class. Her faith is very important to her, and she is thankful to work for a company who shares her values.

“Terral is a God fearing company, and I truly believe that is one of the reasons they have succeeded in all their journeys so far,” Felicia said. “I can only hope and pray that I can continue on with them through the rest of their journeys.”