Each week, The Bellingham Herald takes a closer look at a business. This week: Specialized Marine Transport.

What it does: Bob Huntley and his son, Chad, operate a landing craft that transports goods primarily to the San Juan Islands that aren't served by ferries. The boat, Tin Boot II, is a 48-foot landing craft capable of carrying more than 12,000 pounds.

They also transport to Whatcom County areas, including Lummi Island and Point Roberts. They opened the business about a year and a half ago, but both have worked in the boat transport industry their adult lives.

What's new: A few months ago the company was granted a permit to use the Port of Bellingham launch ramp. Access to the ramp has cuts costs for both the company and customers when it comes to transporting goods, said Chad Huntley. Operating out of Bellingham has created other opportunities for what they can transport. In the past, the main fare has been construction goods, but Huntley said they recently carried a load of cattle to Point Roberts and are planning to take a band to Lummi Island.

Ownership: Bob and Chad Huntley.

Marketplace: The San Juan Islands and other off-shore areas.

Employees: Other than Bob and Chad Huntley, there are no other employees.

Claim to fame: Chad Huntley said the main niche is that they provide full-service transports. They will pick up the goods and bring them to the boat instead of requiring the customer to do it.

"It's been extremely exciting and a lot of fun," Huntley said. "Even in this economy, we've been busy."

Specialized Marine Transport

4823 Whitney St

Bellingham, WA 98229

360-820-0831

www.specializedmarinetransport.com.

Is there a local business you're interested in learning more about? Reach Katie Regan at 715-2220 or katie.regan@bellinghamherald.com.