Posted: September 12, 2013
New energy transportation jobs for AMO on the way as Seabulk orders two tankers from NASSCO
Seabulk Tankers, Inc. has entered into a contract with General Dynamics NASSCO for the construction of two Jones Act tankers with deliveries scheduled for the second quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017.
American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard the ships operated by Seabulk Tankers, Inc.
"The boom in Jones Act tanker construction is building a strong future for the U.S. merchant marine, and for AMO officers in particular," said AMO National President Tom Bethel. "We're proud to be working with Seabulk in meeting the nation's energy transportation needs, and we're very encouraged by the company's continuing investment in the domestic fleet."
The order placed with NASSCO by Seabulk Tankers, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SEACOR Holdings Inc., includes the design and construction of two 50,000 DWT product tankers, each with a cargo capacity of 330,000 barrels. Both ships will be built prepared for conversion to the use of liquefied natural gas as a fuel source. Construction on the first of the 610-foot tankers is scheduled to begin in late 2014 at the shipyard in San Diego, Calif.
Charles Fabrikant, executive chairman of SEACOR Holdings, said, "Our decision to build these two new tankers is a clear demonstration of our continued commitment to the Jones Act."
These ships are a continuation of the ECO tanker design, which offers improved fuel efficiency and incorporates the latest in environmental protection features, including a ballast water treatment system.
Seabulk's order follows the announcement in June that American Petroleum Tankers, a company majority owned by funds managed by Blackstone on behalf of its investors, had entered into agreements with NASSCO for the design and construction of four ECO product carriers with options to build four additional ships. AMO will represent all licensed officers aboard these tankers.
Additionally, Crowley Maritime Corporation has entered into agreements with Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Inc. to build up to eight product tankers for delivery between 2015 and the end of 2017. AMO will also represent all licensed officers aboard these ships.