American Maritime Officers manned the Maersk Arkansas in all licensed positions last month when the ship was withdrawn from the Maritime Security Program fleet and commenced operations under AMO contract. The ship was not previously manned by AMO officers.
"AMO welcomes these new jobs with Maersk Line Limited and the opportunity to expand our role in the U.S.-flag fleet," said AMO National President Tom Bethel. "AMO officers have established a record of performance and professionalism in international liner and feeder services, a record of success that will expand with the operations of the Maersk Arkansas."
Built in 1998, the 1,100 TEU geared containership will operate in a Persian Gulf feeder service under U.S. registry. The Maersk Arkansas will carry a combination of military and commercial cargo between several ports in the Middle East.
"We went through a few extra steps to ensure AMO officers would be aboard the Maersk Arkansas because we have great confidence in their professional ability, ship operating efficiency and can-do attitude - all of which will be especially important for a non-subsidized U.S.-flag feeder in the Persian Gulf," said Ed Hanley, vice president responsible for labor relations and commercial operations at Maersk Line Limited. "This is another indication of the trusted partnership between MLL and the AMO, which has resulted in steady growth and opportunities for both over the past 26 years."
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