the lucrative construction industry in Bermuda.

Neil Inchcup, noted for his recent casino, is developing the Seamont Line beginning with the 165-foot steel cargo ship MV Only One D .

The locally owned and operated cargo line will service Bermuda on routes between the Island and Canada, the Caribbean and North and South America.

"There is a market,'' said Seamont's operations manager, Joya Johnson-Nelson.

"There is a lot of (construction) work going on in the Caribbean just like it is in Bermuda and South America. And South America is rich in lumber and steel.'' The Honduran-registered ship has a six-person crew and can accommodate 1,040 metric tonnes, or 36,000 feet of loose bulk cargo as well as boats, cars, flat racks and pallets, said the company.

"Also she can carry 23 20-foot containers. The vessel's gross tonnage is 465 tons and (it) is outfitted with the latest technology,'' said Mrs. Nelson.

The ship only recently came out of dry dock where it was serviced and inspected.

Mrs. Nelson said Seamont believes it can remain price competitive with the larger firms because the US companies work in a different tax bracket and she said the savings would be passed onto the clients.

In a press release, the company said the ship will offer "incentives for career opportunities for young people''.

Mrs. Nelson said: "There is more to it than just being on the boat.

Navigation, operations, sales -- it's a whole new industry and we're an island so it's time we started using our natural resources,'' she said.

Mrs. Nelson said the ship's features, such as a flat-bottom that allows it to enter shallow ports, will sell the shipping option.

"So far, feedback says it is a profitable enterprise for Bermuda,'' she said.

New arrival: Businessman Neil Inchup has brought a new entrant to the cargo business -- Only One D.