The following is the text of a news release from Horizon Shipbuilding:
(BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala.) — Horizon Shipbuilding Inc. has delivered a landing barge to its newest client, Sunset Key Transportation Corp.
The barge is 60 feet long with an 18-foot molded beam. The purpose of the barge is to provide access to the exclusive Sunset Key Resort located on a small island near Key West, Fla. The barge replaces venerable LCM-8 boats that were purchased from U.S. government salvage and refurbished but have reached the end of their service life.
Detail design was performed by Horizon’s in-house engineering department based on a basic design created by Shipwright LLC of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Horizon enlisted longtime team member Gulf Coast Air and Hydraulics for the ramp hydraulic system.
“We were sourcing shipyards that could deliver quickly and Horizon provided that. During construction Hurricane Irma hit Key West, which created even more urgency for the barge,” said Barry Kimball, executive program manager. “Horizon redoubled their efforts to get us this critical asset as soon as possible, which is appreciated.”
“This project is a testament that Horizon is open for business and remains capable of producing a quality boat at a good price,” said Travis R. Short, Horizon’s president. “I’m also quite proud that my team was able to deliver the relatively complex barge in 90 days, including the detail design work.”
In addition to the landing barge, Horizon is nearing completion of an 88-foot U.S. Coast Guard-inspected bunker boat and is currently performing a comprehensive repair project on the TVA towboat Red Wagner in addition to other repair work.
