VT Halter Marine Launches Puerto Rico Ferry

VT Halter Marine Inc., a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems Inc., has launched a 95-ft sea-going ferry from its Mississippi-based Pascagoula Operations. Christened the Caribeña, the all-aluminum vessel was designed and built by VT Halter Marine for the Puerto Rico Port Authority. Capable of carrying 272 passengers, the Caribeña will provide inter- island transportation for the Fajardo-Vieques-Culebra Ferry Line. It will be U.S. Coast Guard classed sub-chapter "K" and U.S. flagged. VT Halter Marine plans to complete and deliver the Caribeña during the second quarter of 2004. It could take 10 or more days to make the 1600- mile trip to the Caribeña's home at the Port of Fajardo, a city located on the east side of the Island of Puerto Rico. Boyd King, CEO said, "The Caribeña represents VT Halter Marine's experience, skills, commitment to quality and its ability to design and build a wide variety of commercial and defense-related vessels. VT Halter Marine leverages its experience, best practices and technological advancements from across its diverse product lines and produces vessels that are tailored to the unique requirements of each customer." VT Halter Marine Inc., based in Gulfport, Miss., is a leader in the design and construction of small- to medium-sized ships in the United States. VT Halter Marine designs, builds and repairs a wide variety of ocean-going vessels such as patrol vessels, oil recovery vessels, oil cargo vessels, ferries, logistic support vessels and research ships. It is a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems Inc. (VTS), a provider of integrated engineering solutions, specializing in the fields of marine, aerospace, electronics and land systems. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA., VTS is located throughout North America. VTS offers a broad range of proven innovative services to both the commercial and government sectors. VTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Engineering.