Bowhead Transport has launched the Free Reign landing craft, its newest vessel dedicated to fiber optic cable deployment and project-based work in remote areas of the state.
“We’ve been growing our fleet strategically as we assess the needs of Alaska’s industries and communities,” said Bowhead Transport Vice President Chris Palle. “Our vessels are utilized in a number of ways to support line-haul barging and remote river and coastal projects.”
The 75-foot Free Reign has an extreme shallow draft of 2.5 feet, well-suited to get into locations that are logistically challenging. This season it will support the deployment of fiber optic cable initiatives in western Alaska. The Free Reign can also be used for cargo lightering, diving operations, near coastal survey and as a hotel ship.
Bowhead Transport purchased the Free Reign in 2023 and refurbished the vessel this spring at the Catalyst Marine Engineering yard in Seward. “As mariners, being out at sea is just part of the story,” Palle said. “Maintenance is our off-season passion, and it ensures our vessels are always ready for Alaska’s waters. I’m proud of the work our crew and local partners accomplished to get the Free Reign ready for launch. She boasts new Volvo D8 engines, two generators, new electronics and a deck throughway built specifically for fiber optic cable deployment off the stern.”
In addition to the Free Reign, Bowhead Transport operates several push-boats, river and inland coastal water barges and ocean-going line-haul barge sailings. Its territory ranges from Seattle to the far Aleutians, upriver in western Alaska and Bristol Bay, and all along the Alaska coast up to Kaktovik in the Arctic.
