Atlantic Marine, Inc. of Ft. George Island, Fla., has been awarded a contract to construct two supply vessels for Tidewater Marine Service, Inc. of New Orleans. The 180 by 40 by 14-foot vessels are designed to carry bulk and liquid muds. The vessels will be built to incorporate Atlantic Marine's stock hull design and Tidewater's general arrangement requirements. The propulsion units will be Caterpillar D399 engines driving Reintjes gears.

This order marks Atlantic Marine's entry into the Gulf Coast supply vessel industry. The Jacksonville area shipyard constructs steel-hulled vessels, including posted and inland drill barges, workboats, and specialized vessels for offshore and river use.