In 1983, Delaware’s former tanker was built for a life at sea carrying oil. 43 years later, the vessel was deliberately sunk off Delaware’s coast, beginning a second life as an artificial reef for marine species

The Calcasieu Pass has gone from supporting offshore oil operations to becoming part of Delaware’s largest artificial reef system.

Built in 1982 as a supply vessel for the offshore oil industry, the ship was later converted in 1989 for the menhaden fishing fleet, as per a report. It operated out of Virginia and processed menhaden off the Delaware coast.

After its working life ended, the vessel was cleaned and prepared for a very different purpose: becoming an underwater habitat, as per an Ecoportal report.

From oil vessel to fishing boat

The Calcasieu Pass was originally designed to support offshore oil operations.

Seven years after it was built, its role changed when it joined the menhaden fishing fleet. Over the years, the vessel operated out of Virginia while processing the fish off Delaware's coast.

Its latest transformation came after $285,000 was spent on its purchase and conversion, using federal funds from the Sport Fishing Restoration program, according to the report.

The vessel now rests on Delaware's seafloor

Coleen Marine, based in Norfolk, Virginia, carried out the sinking at Reef Site 13, also known as Del-Jersey-Land Reef.

The operation received authorization from the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard after the ship underwent environmental remediation and secured the required permits.

At about 55 meters long and 12 meters wide, the vessel adds a substantial structure to the reef.

DNREC expects fish and other marine animals to use it, while barnacles, corals and mussels could gradually grow on its surfaces. That colonization process could take years.

Greg Patterson, Delaware's DNREC secretary, pointed out that projects like this improve marine habitat while giving retired vessels a new purpose, as per the Ecoportal report. He also described the effort as an engine for Delaware's coastal and conservation economies.

Ocean Harvesters, the Virginia-based company that operated the fishing vessel, also supported the decision.

The company said, "Retired fishing vessels can continue to provide value after their useful life ends, and we are pleased to see the Calcasieu Pass begin a new chapter, creating new opportunities for anglers and divers," as quoted by Ecoportal.

A new site for fishing and diving

Sport fishing and deep-water diving are expected to be authorized at the Jersey Land Reef in the future.

The reef is located within reach of ports in New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, giving the site potential value for anglers and divers.

Delaware's wider artificial reef program

The Calcasieu Pass joins a network that already includes 14 permitted artificial reef sites managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The state is continuing to expand the program with federal investment. The division also maintains more than 75,000 acres of public land for fishing, hunting, and other water sports.

For the Calcasieu Pass, the change marks the end of one working life and the beginning of another. A vessel built to support offshore oil operations, later used in the fishing industry, now sits underwater as part of Delaware's growing artificial reef system.