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NIKKI JO KENNEY
Pictured as: the Freedom (River Ventures) Photo by: Robert Hogg

Built in 1986, by Schaupeter Shipyard Incorporated of Pascagoula, Mississippi (hull #101) as the L. A. Theriot for the Freeport Sulphur Company of Port Sulphur, Louisiana. And operated by the Central Marine Service Incorporated New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 1988, the Freeport Sulphur Company merged into the Canal Barge Company Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1996, she was acquired by McKinney Harbor Towing Incorporated of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Where the tug was renamed as the Aaron Charles Mckinney.

In 2001, the tug was acquired by JC Towing Incorporated of Galliano, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Nikki Jo Kenney.

In 2003, she was acquired by River Ventures Incorporated of St. Amant, Louisiana. Where the tug was renamed as the Freedom.

Repowered in 1997, the tug is powered by two GM 12V-149 diesel engines with a reduction of 5.17:1. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 1,350 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: NIKKI JO KENNEY
  • USCG Doc. No.: 505538
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDC3214
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 101
  • Ship Builder: Schaupeter Shipyard Inc.
  • Year Built: 1966
  • Length: 76
  • Hailing Port: NEW ORLEANS, LA.
  • Hull Depth: 9
  • Hull Breadth: 28
  • Gross Tonnage: 150
  • Net Tonnage: 120
  • Owner:
    RIVER VENTURES LLC
    11744 RIVER HIGHLANDS DRIVE
    SAINT AMANT, LA 70774
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    L. A. Theriot, Aaron Charles Mckinney, Nikki Jo Kenney, FREEDOM
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Freeport Sulphur Co., Canal Barge Co. Inc., McKinney Harbor Towing Inc., JC Towing LLC