Army Corps decommissioned vessel to serve as artificial reef

NEW YORK – As part of New York State’s ongoing reef expansion effort, the decommissioned U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel M/V HUDSON was placed off the coast of Fire Island on Saturday, August 3, 2019 for the purpose of creating an artificial reef. Built by Paasch Marine Services on the Delaware River, the 19-ton steel-hulled multipurpose workboat had been in service since 1963.

The M/V HUDSON served the Nation for 56 years. Its meritorious career included collecting fisheries, water quality and sediment samples in support of waterborne navigation dredging especially the New York Harbor 50-foot deepening project, as well as for maintenance of dredging projects. The vessel also played a role in TWA Flight 800 recovery operations, and responded with the transport of equipment and personnel across the Hudson River from Manhattan to New Jersey in the wake of 9/11.

"The M/V HUDSON will now embark on its second career and continue in service to the Nation, by creating marine habitat and improving the environment as well as providing recreational opportunities for fishing and diving," said Col. Thomas Asbery, commander, New York District.  “I am very proud of the state and federal teamwork and initiative that allowed us to decommission a vessel, and use it in a beneficial manner in lieu of it being recycled on land.”

The placement of the M/V HUDSON was conducted by Donjon Marine Co Inc., of Hillside, N.J. in accordance with an engineered plan developed specifically for the vessel in order to conduct the sinking in a controlled manner. It was placed onto a barge and towed 60 miles from its homeport at Caven Point Marine Terminal, Jersey City before being lowered 2.7 miles offshore into its new home in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Army Corps’, New York District, project delivery team for the M/V HUDSON was led by its Operations Division and included a unique blend of engineers and safety professionals working to prepare the vessel for the next phase of its illustrious career. 

The controlled placement of the M/V HUDSON was also observed by Army engineer leaders from the Corps' New York District. A safety zone was established around the perimeter of the vessel during the sinking, commemorated by a ceremonial blowing of boat horns to signify the beginning of the vessel’s new journey.