Blessey Marine Christens Mv. Michael G. Barnett
The ceremony recognized Barnett’s 26-year career with Blessey Marine, which began in 2000 when he joined the company as a deckhand and continued with more than two decades of service as a tankerman.
The christening ceremony included remarks from Clark Todd and Barnett, presentation of a gift by Laura Todd, presentation of a Bible by Chaplain Nancy Simpson and the christening of the vessel by Barnett.
Barnett was born in Jackson, Miss., and raised in Raymond, Miss., where he continues to make his home. He and his wife, Sharon, have been married for 42 years. They have a daughter, Patricia Barlow, and Barnett carries with him the memory of his son, Michael Barnett Jr. He is also grandfather to Trinity Barnett and Sophia Sanchez.
Barnett came to Blessey Marine in March 2000 at age 35. It was his first job in the marine industry, and it became his only one. He started as a deckhand and was promoted to tankerman in 2001, a position he has held since.
His first vessel with Blessey was the mv. Dreama Klaiber, where he worked under Capt. Charles Clark. He later served aboard the original mv. Walter E. Blessey Jr. with Capt. Randy Martin. His other assignments have included the mv. Mitch Jones, mv. Beth Wilson, mv. Laney Blessey and mv. Martha Oliver. Since 2022, Barnett has served aboard the mv. Erin C. Grenon.
The role of a tankerman carries substantial responsibility in the liquid cargo trade, requiring attention to detail and consistency during cargo transfers and vessel operations. Barnett’s years in that role reflect the trust placed in him by Blessey Marine.
The christening of the mv. Michael G. Barnett places his name on a vessel that will continue working the waterways. For Barnett and his family, it marks recognition of a career tied to the river and to Blessey Marine for more than a quarter-century.
Away from the boat, Barnett enjoys fishing, working around the house and spending time with Sharon. He also enjoys occasional trips to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Barnett has credited Blessey Marine with providing a career and stability for his family. He also has spoken of the company’s role in helping him build the life he has today.
Vessel Specs
The mv. Michael G. Barnett was built by Verret Shipyards, Plaquemine, La. Completed in 2005, the 82- by 30-foot vessel was renamed in Barnett’s honor and repowered with Mitsubishi S12R Tier 1 engines furnished by Laborde Products. The engines are rated at 2,360 hp.
The vessel is equipped with Reintjes WAF 665L reduction gears with 6:1 ratios, furnished by Karl Senner LLC. Auxiliary power is supplied by Cummins 6 BTA generators. Main engine cooling is provided by grid coolers, while channel coolers serve the generators. The vessel has Sim Vue engine alarms supplied by Baton Rouge Marine Electric.
The mv. Michael G. Barnett has fuel capacity of 30,809 gallons and lube oil capacity of 226 gallons. The vessel’s shafts are from R.C. Schmidt & Sons. It has Thordon TG 100 seals and Rivertough bearings from Thordon. Propulsion is provided by four-blade, stainless steel, 74- by 68-inch propellers from Baumann Propellers.
The vessel is equipped with hydraulic steering, a Seahorse wastewater treatment system and 40-ton Patterson winches. Accommodations include four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The deckhouse has tile flooring and three air conditioning and heating units.
