American Classic Voyages (AMCV) has issued $76.4 million of bonds guaranteed by the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (MarAd). The financing will be utilized for the construction of two coastal cruise vessels that will be built at Atlantic Marine, Jacksonville, Fla., for
Delta Queen Coastal Voyages - a subsidiary of AMCV.
MarAd's guarantee is made possible under the authority of Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 - it represents approximately 87.5 percent of the total anticipated cost of the two coastal vessels - which includes shipyard and design costs, vessel furniture and fixtures, and interest during construction and guarantee fees.
The vessels covered under the funding are known as Cape May Light and Cape Cod Light. Named for historic lighthouses, they will be designed to resemble the classic coastal ships of the late 1800s. Cape May Light's hull was launched in June; Cape Cod Light's hull is set for launching on May 5, 2001.