The Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg's 1,050-mile journey from Norfolk, Va. to Key West was expected to end late Monday or early today.

The 522-foot ship that will become an artificial reef will remain just offshore until Wednesday morning, when a team of tug, tow and pilot boats are expected to guide the mammoth vessel into Key West Harbor.

No cruise ships are scheduled to be in Key West on Wednesday.

The former military ship that is to become the world's second largest artificial reef will be docked behind the USS Mohawk along the East Quay wall at Truman Waterfront.

The $8 million project has been in the works for more than 10 years. It was beleaguered by funding problems and regulatory delays, but project supporters say it will generate millions of dollars in tourism revenue for Key West and the Florida Keys.

Public tours of the Vandenberg will not be allowed due to safety concerns, but people can see the ship at Truman Waterfront while it is docked at the East Quay wall.

A security fence will prohibit onlookers from getting too close to the ship, but there will be plenty of viewing access, said Key West city spokeswoman Alyson Crean.

A sink team will finish final preparations to the ship while it is docked at the waterfront. They will mark specific areas to be fitted with cutting charges, which will blast holes through the steel so that water pours in evenly when the ship is scuttled, ensuring the vessel lands upright on the bottom.

The Spiegel Grove artificial reef in Key Largo gained international attention in 2002 when the ship began taking on water earlier than planned and rolled over while sinking. A subsequent hurricane in 2005 righted the ship.

Sometime before June 1, the same procession of tugboats will lead the Vandenberg back out of Key West's main ship channel and to a location about six miles offshore.

Once in position, and held there with more than 30 tons of steel anchors, the Vandenberg will make its final voyage -- 140 feet to the bottom of the ocean.

mbolen@keysnews.com