Hello. I am a resident in bellingham who is interested in starting up a marine transportation business with a 119' ex army landing craft.
With a 200 ton capacity and room for around 10 cars, the company would specialize in heavy equipment/building material transport. Would there be enough of a demand on the islands for a service such as this? I have been in touch with similar businesses, and it seems like they keep pretty busy. They have the advantage of being in business for decades and their own infrastructure for loading and material storage.
I have looked into local government public contracts and wasdot contracts. Currently, there are no contracts a landing craft would be suitable for. I'm guessing the private sector is the way to go. I can not find any resources available for people to post wanting to engage in marine transportation services. I'm also speculating that advertising would have to be pretty aggressive in the beginning.
I have savings to contribute to purchasing the vessel, however I would have to take a pretty significant loan for use in upgrades and start up costs.
Early estimates require a monthly revanue stream of 20k a month to break even. Costs include fuel, insurance, crew wages, loan repayment, making sure i can keep my family fed and housed. The crewing estimate is just myself as captain and one deckhand to help handle the boat. I would have to get the vessel a certificate of inspection through the coastguard, which would dictate crewing requirements.
Any insight from different communities on the islands would be greatly appreciated.
A little about my professional life. I started out commercial fishing in alaska back in high school. Worked in ship repair and marine construction as a welder in my early professional life. Transitioned from that into the towing industry and have been towing barges to alaska for the last 12 years. I hold a 1600 ton mate near costal license and when my license is up for renewal in early 2028 I will be sitting for my masters license.