Construction begins on second new tanker in series for U.S. Shipping

Construction begins on second new tanker in series for U.S. Shipping

Construction began in January on the second new tanker in a series of nine being built for U.S. Shipping Partners at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego, Calif.

The 600-foot, 49,000-deadweight-ton product carrier is due to be delivered in the second quarter of 2009. The ships in the series will have a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels each, and are designed to carry petroleum and chemical products in the Jones Act trades. The first is slated for delivery in early 2009.

American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers working in the U.S. Shipping fleet and recently secured a new contract with the company.

In addition to the new tankers, U.S. Shipping is also building a series of four new articulated tug/barges. The first ATB in the series, Freeport/Chemical Transporter, is currently operating in the Jones Act trades.

U.S. Shipping has secured charters for four of the nine new tankers being built. Two of the charters are with major oil companies and the other two are with Military Sealift Command. The MSC time charters cover petroleum product transportation in support of the U.S. military, replacing two T-5 tankers expected to reach the end of their service life in 2010.

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