Pacific-Gulf Marine has finalized an agreement with Patriot Shipping LLC to manage and operate the heavylift vessel, Industrial Challenger, under U.S. Flag. Built in 2000, the 8000 deadweight multi-purpose vessel has lifting capacity of 400 metric tons, a 16.5 knot service speed and is ideally suited for project & heavylift cargo. It is expected that the vessel will operate in the U.S. to South America trade while pursuing other opportunities to move both commercial and/or U.S. government cargoes from the U.S. to worldwide destinations. Licensed officers from the American Maritime Officers (AMO) and unlicensed personnel provided by the Seafarers International Union (SIU) will man the vessel.