PAST PERFORMANCE
KAYAK EXPRESS
CONSTRUCTION OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE PASSENGER VESSEL
OWNER
LOCATION
HULL
LENGTH
DEPTH(MOLDED)
DURATION
Pictured Rocks Kayaking
Munising, MI - For operation along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Aluminum
64'
19'
December 2018 - June 2019
The 64’ by 19’ vessel was constructed of aluminium at Moran Iron Works’ headquarters in Onaway, Michigan. The purpose of the Kayak Express is to escort 72 passengers and 36 kayaks around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for guided kayak tours. This vessel features a custom-designed kayak launch system that is tailored to meet the specific needs of offshore kayak launching.
“Fabrication officially began with the laying of the deck plate on December 6, 2018,” said Lee Fayssoux, former project manager at MIW. “This is a very exciting project for us. It is a real privilege to have an ‘Pure Michigan' vessel in our shop. This vessel will not only be capable of carrying passengers, but will also be capable of deploying and retrieving guests in kayaks. It’s a revolutionary way of experiencing the beauty that Northern Michigan, particularly Pictured Rocks, has to offer. This vision was recognized by our customer, and acted on with development from MIW and our partner architect DLBA. We are ecstatic that they chose MIW for this build, and ecstatic that this vessel will serve tourists who visit the waters of Pictured Rocks.”
The Kayak Express was successfully launched in mid-June and now is at its home port in Munising, Michigan.
STANFORD H. SMITH
CONSTRUCTION OF A RESEARCH VESSEL
OWNER
LOCATION
HULL
LENGTH
DEPTH(MOLDED)
DRAFT
DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
SPEED
MAIN PROPULSION
DURATION
US Fish & Wildlife Service
New Franken, WI - For operation in Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior
Aluminum
56'9"
6'1"
4'6" Max
63,582 lbs
20 knots
Twin John Deere 6135 SFM85, 500 BHP@1900 RPM
August 2016 - November 2017
Moran Iron Works was awarded the contract to build a 56’9” research vessel by the US Fish & Wildlife Service in August, 2016. Initial project planning began in November, 2016 with subsequent detailing and engineering work proceeding through January, 2017.
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With the keel laid in late-January, hull work began in February. MIW staff, using plasma cutting and forming equipment, precision-cut and formed all aluminum plate and structural members used in the hull construction before preparing and welding the hull. Fabrication continued through Spring and Summer, 2017, With components and equipment being installed throughout the build process. In all, over a dozen specialized navigation and research systems are included in the vessel with the entire electrical system measuring over two miles in length. The boat is powered by twin John Deere 500 HP diesel engines and is designed to reach a speed of 20 knots.
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OWNER
LOCATION
HULL
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
SPEED
CAPACITY
MAIN PROPULSION
DURATION
OTHER
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
Mackinaw City, MI - For operation in the Straits of Mackinac, MI
Aluminum
85' L x 22' B x 9' D
68 Tons
40 mph
281 Passengers
Three 2000 HP
December 2014 - September 2015
Classed USCG - Title 46 Chapter I Subchapter K: Small Passenger Vessels Carrying More Than 150 Passengers
Moran Iron Works was awarded the contract to construct a high speed aluminum passenger vessel to operate in the Straits of Mackinac. The MISS MARGY is a K Class passenger vessel built in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Moran worked with SeaCraft Design, a naval architecture and design firm based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for the vessel design.
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The vessel was launched at Port Calcite in late May 2015. It was taken to its homeport in Mackinaw City where final cosmetic touches have been applied. The vessel was christened in July 2015 and underwent final sea trials prior to its formal addition to the fleet in late September 2015.
CONSTRUCTION OF A HIGH SPEED ALUMINUM PASSENGER FERRY
MISS MARGY
OWNER
LOCATION
MATERIAL
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
DURATION
OTHER
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Durocher Marine, a Division of Kokosing Construction Company, Inc.
For operation in the Great Lakes
Steel
180' L x 54' Bx 12' D
500 tons each
May 2014 - April 2015
Classed ABS +A1 Ocean Service Deck Barges; International Load Line Certificate
Moran Iron Works was awarded a contract to build two ocean going deck barges for Durocher Marine, a division of Kokosing Construction Company Inc., based in Cheboygan, Michigan.
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The two deck barges are 180’ X 54’ X 12’ and built in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO), ABS, and USCG regulations and classifications. The barges follow ABS rules for building and classing steel barges for offshore service. They are classed as ABS +A1 Ocean Service Deck Barges and have an International Load Line Certificate.
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The keels were laid mid-summer 2014 at the Onaway fabrication facility. Both barges were launched in mid-April 2015 at the deep water port at Calcite in Rogers City, Michigan at the company’s Port Calcite facility.