Gulf Island Fabrication to Build Riverboat Using Casino Boat's Hull

American manufacturer of marine vessels Gulf Island Fabrication has signed a contract for the expansion and delivery of one 245-guest riverboat with American Countess.

The new paddle wheeler will be built using the existing hull of the Kanesville Queen, a former gaming vessel built in 1995. Revenue backlog and man-hours associated with this project will be reported in connection with the Company’s announcement of financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2018.

“We continue to break sales records and incredible demand remains for more capacity on the river with each of our boats continuing to sail full,” shared American Queen Steamboat Company Chairman John Waggoner.

“We look forward to collaborating with Gulf Island’s team of skilled workers and craftsmen to deliver a riverboat that will once again exceed expectations of our guests and continue raising the bar on domestic river cruising,” John added.

“American Queen Steamboat Company has led the market in a renaissance of domestic river cruising and our skilled team is honored to carry on the legacy of shipbuilding in U.S. building the American Countess,” said Kirk Meche, President and C.E.O. of Gulf Island.

He added, “We look forward to constructing this magnificent vessel and fulfilling John’s vision by providing the best in marine manufacturing and construction.”

Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, with fabrication facilities located in Louisiana and Texas, is a leading fabricator of complex steel structures and marine vessels used for Oil & Gas production and transportation, petrochemical and industrial facilities, power generation and alternative energy projects.