It's like stepping into a southern Louisiana scene on a humid morning. But instead of being located on the Gulf Coast, this shipyard is perched on the Arkansas River in Fort Smith.

Beyond the tree-lines at the end of Grand Avenue sit three massive “tables” with the beginnings of five barges stretching several hundred feet long.

Mike Dismer, director of operations for U.S. Technology Marine Services, takes a golf cart retrofitted with off-road tires to scope out the progress on the 17-acre shipyard.

“Once we start working more contracts, this will be the largest shipyard around,” Dismer said, pointing to the 85 acres surrounding the shipyard, just begging to be developed.

 

It's a find that has surprised many people, Dismer said. Not only does the location and acreage allow for expansion with more contracts, but the quality of laborers has gone beyond the company and customers' expectations, he said.

The company began fabricating the steel for the barges in late February, ramping up employment since then. Dismer said U.S. Technology has 80 workers at the shipyard and is only one phone call away from doubling or tripling that.

He has two contracts worth $16 million to build two barges for one customer and 20 for another, with the option of up to 150 vessels. Dismer said he has agreements with several customers for future contracts, he's just waiting for the go-ahead.