Cherokee, The Sea Railroad

Cherokee, a 590 foot by 124 foot vehicle carrier sailing under the flag of Marshall Islands, heads out of Mobile Bay the afternoon of NOV 25th 2025. With a draught of 22 feet, the ship moves at 14 mph while starting a four day voyage to Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. Operated by CG Railway, Cherokee is a railroad ferry. The double-decked vessel is configured to carry up to 135 railcars. Cherokee and companion vessel Mayan transport railcars 960 miles across the Gulf between Mobile and Mexico, reducing travel time when compared to land routes. Instead of having to wait upon arrival at each destination, shipments are cleared by Customs while the cargo is in transit, saving more time. Photo shot from Orange St pier in Fairhope, roughly 6.5 miles away…