Fort Pickens News

New routes, new challenges and plenty of newbuilding as 2017 gives way to the New Year. A year ago, the maritime industry could be found clinging to the edge of their seats to see what the coming year had in store. 2017 was set to be a telling year and indeed it was. With the elections finalized, the political impact, if any, was sure to be seen. While fuel prices have remained low and continuing to hamper the offshore workboat market, consumer confidence has held high and new vessel construction is strong – particularly in the ferry segment.

SeaArk Marine, Inc. has delivered a 50-ft. Transporter to Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs, MS. The vessel, Captain George, and her crew are tasked with servicing the barrier islands of Mississippi and Florida within the Gulf Islands National Seashore region. The vessel is used daily to transport equipment to the islands of Horn, Ship, Cat, Peti Bois in Mississippi and Fort Pickens in Florida. The SeaArk Transporter Class vessel is constructed of all-welded marine grade aluminum. The vessel features a 5° hull design for stability, load bearing capacity of 22,000 lbs.