First Steel Cut Completed

Atlantic Marine, Jacksonville, Fla., has accomplished its first cut of steel for its new fleet of 226-passenger U.S.-flag coastal ships, Delta Queen Coastal Cruises. The steel cut begins construction for AMCV, who in May 1999, signed a $60 million contract with Atlantic for construction of the first two vessels, as well as an option for a third. Measuring 300 ft. (91.4 m), the diesel-driven, coastal ships with nautical and Federal-style decor is scheduled to enter service in 2001 along the East Coast of America. "This project is on a fast track," said Scott Young, executive vice president of AMCV and president of The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. "Four hundred tons of steel have been delivered to the shipyard and sub-assembly is underway on the vessel modules."