Posted:
March 13, 2012
The re-flagging of the multi-purpose cargo ship Maersk Texas was completed March 12 in Mobile, Ala., adding new capacity to the U.S.-flag project cargo fleet and providing new jobs for the membership of American Maritime Officers.
The re-flagging of the Maersk Texas follows that of the Maersk Illinois in December 2011. The ships are approximately 19,000 deadweight tons and each has a maximum lift capacity of 480 metric tons.
Acquired in September 2011, the recently built ships are operated by Maersk-Rickmers U.S. Flag Project Carrier, a new partnership formed by Maersk Line, Limited and Rickmers-Linie (America) to serve the U.S.-flag project cargo market.
"AMO is proud to be onboard as Maersk-Rickmers continues build its U.S.-flag service with the re-flagging of the Maersk Texas," said AMO National President Tom Bethel. "The ongoing growth of the project cargo sector in the U.S.-flag fleet means the steady expansion of opportunities for AMO officers."
Bethel added: "The U.S.-flag project cargo trades are directly supported by U.S. cargo preference requirements related to financing provided by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Maintaining U.S.-flag cargo preference statutes serves American national security interests and boosts domestic job creation. Enhancement of services by Maersk-Rickmers clearly demonstrates the success of cargo preference in providing powerful benefits for the nation's defense and security and for the U.S. economy."
The Maersk Texas and Maersk Illinois provide break-bulk and project cargo service for shippers requiring U.S.-flagged vessels. American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard both ships.
New AMO jobs as Maersk Texas is re-flagged into U.S. registry
The re-flagging of the multi-purpose cargo ship Maersk Texas was completed March 12 in Mobile, Ala., adding new capacity to the U.S.-flag project cargo fleet and providing new jobs for the membership of American Maritime Officers.
The re-flagging of the Maersk Texas follows that of the Maersk Illinois in December 2011. The ships are approximately 19,000 deadweight tons and each has a maximum lift capacity of 480 metric tons.
Acquired in September 2011, the recently built ships are operated by Maersk-Rickmers U.S. Flag Project Carrier, a new partnership formed by Maersk Line, Limited and Rickmers-Linie (America) to serve the U.S.-flag project cargo market.
"AMO is proud to be onboard as Maersk-Rickmers continues build its U.S.-flag service with the re-flagging of the Maersk Texas," said AMO National President Tom Bethel. "The ongoing growth of the project cargo sector in the U.S.-flag fleet means the steady expansion of opportunities for AMO officers."
Bethel added: "The U.S.-flag project cargo trades are directly supported by U.S. cargo preference requirements related to financing provided by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Maintaining U.S.-flag cargo preference statutes serves American national security interests and boosts domestic job creation. Enhancement of services by Maersk-Rickmers clearly demonstrates the success of cargo preference in providing powerful benefits for the nation's defense and security and for the U.S. economy."
The Maersk Texas and Maersk Illinois provide break-bulk and project cargo service for shippers requiring U.S.-flagged vessels. American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard both ships.