Acting Maritime Administrator Bruce McAllister recently approved in principle an application from Pipelines, Inc. of Harvey, Maurice, La., for a Title XI guarantee to aid in financing a combination pipelay/bury derrick barge. The 188-foot barge was built by Houma Fabricators, Inc., Harvey, La., and was delivered last March.

It is anticipated the vessel will operate primarily in the Gulf of Mexico. The approved guarantee is for $3,836,000, or up to 75 percent of the barge's estimated depreciated actual cost.