James River Barge Line, a container cargo transportation service to be launched between Norfolk and Richmond next month, has been sold to Norfolk Tug Co., Steve McGowan, Norfolk Tug’s operations manager, said today.

The renamed 64 Express barge line will make its inaugural trip Dec. 1 and operate under the same business plan as the James River line, McGowan said. The barge, which can move 160 20-foot-equivalent units, will initially make weekly trips, he said.

The barge service was organized by David Host, president of the Norfolk ship agency T. Parker Host Inc. Host, who has been working on the venture for two years, also was its president.

Norfolk Tug acquired the business within the last week, said McGowan, declining to provide the purchase price.

“There are a lot of very good, positive and strong reasons why this, even in today’s economic downturn, is still a good and viable way to move containers between here and central Virginia,” McGowan said. “It’s still a very important to this area to help mitigate some road congestion, wear and tear on the roads. It’s good for the environment.”

Norfolk Tug has been involved with the venture from the start, agreeing to provide tug services for the barge line, he said. Federal grants awarded to the business will transfer over to Norfolk Tug and be administered by the Virginia Port Authority.