Residents can check out Dakota Creek Industries’ longest vessel next month.

An open house on the M/V Grant Candies is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9 before the ship is delivered in late August.

The 2,600-ton, 292-foot merchant vessel is owned by Otto Candies, a Louisiana-based marine transportation and towing company. Representatives from Otto Candies, including Otto Candies Jr., are expected to be at the event.

When complete, the inspection, maintenance and repair vessel will serve as an off-shore supply vessel to inspect and maintain underwater oil structures. The Grant Candies, which can house up to 150 people, features a private cinema, heliport and a fully-equipped hospital.

DCI began working on the vessel in December 2006 and it was launched in mid-April.

The more than $60 million vessel is the first of three Dakota Creek is scheduled to build. Pieces of the second, M/V Ross Candies, are scattered in the company’s yard and large building off R Avenue. It is scheduled for completion in 2009 and will be 312 feet long and about 95 feet high.

DCI also has plans to build three Crowley Maritime ocean towing service tugs over the next few years. The tugs, designed by Naviform in Vancouver, British Columbia, will be 148 feet long and be able to travel at 15 knots.

The first, M/V Legacy, is scheduled to be delivered in November 2010. Two more will follow, M/V Legend in June 2011 and M/V Liberty in March 2012.

DCI is also staying busy with repair work.

Visit http://www.dakotacreek.com.