The logistical challenges ofoperating in Alaska's North Slope are formidable. There are extreme weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and limited daylight hours. The distances are huge and remote, creating difficult access. The challenges create a need for unparalleled expertise, adaptability, and specialized equipment. OurSeattle to Alaska shipping servicesare specifically designed to meet these challenges head-on, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of heavy machinery, modules and the materials critical to all North Slope projects like Willow.
It's been a big couple weeks here at SeaTac Marine Services and it's all for the kids! This last weekend SeaTac Marine hosted the Holiday Stocking for Homeless Children organization at our facility. Volunteers stuffed over 4,500 stocking for kids in Western Washington who otherwise wouldn’t have a stocking to open on Christmas morning. Founded in 1996 by a collection of retired and active-duty Coast Guard personnel and their families, the Holiday Stockings for Homeless Children is an all-volunteer organization in which 97% of donations go directly to the children. In 2021, 4,355 of the stockings went to various shelters and 700 went to street youth. If you would like to help or make a donation, please visit their website at www.holidaystockings.org
When we acquried the Seatac Atlas, the only thing missing was a breakwater. A breakwater is a large "wall" built with sheet steel that is secured to the bow of the barge to protect the cargo from the elements as its towed along. In our case, when the barge is full and being towed in the Strait of Juan De Fuca, the Inside Passage and up to Anchorage, this breakwater will help keep saltwater and weather from damaging the cargo. With the help of Stabbert Marine and Industrial, we were able to install the component in early March.
Who's ready for 2021? I know we are! Here at SeaTac Marine Services we have finally gotten the super cool drone footage of our new barge, the Atlas, in her slip. We are currently gearing up for our first sailing of the year (check the Schedule + Booking page for cutoff dates). The Atlas is still going to be getting a sweet new breakwater to keep cargo dry and safe, therefore she's not *quite* ready for her maiden voyage with us just yet - but very soon. If you have needs to ship cargo or materials to Alaska and/or beyond, please give us a call. With this new barge comes additional space and availability. We always work hard for our customers to find the right fit of speed, saftey and price.
Although there is much to lament about 2020 (I won't get started), for us at SeaTac Marine Services we are have one great big bright spot and that's our new barge, the SeaTac Atlas. It arrived a last week from the Gulf region of the US by way of the Panama Canal and up the Pacific Coast. Built in Orange, Texas it is currenlty the largest barge in our fleet and can carry up to 11,000 tons. We are thrilled to put the SeaTac Atlas into service, making regular runs between Alaska and Seattle. Not only will this barge will increase our cargo capability but potentially our speed. Word has it, she is a joy to tow! So here's to 2021 and the SeaTac Atlas!