AMO LNG officers begin work with Teekay

AMO LNG officers begin work with Teekay

Groundbreaking agreement provides new employment with all AMO Plans benefits

American Maritime Officers members in March began working at sea with Teekay Shipping Corporation--one of the world's leading tanker companies, which now has a significant presence in the LNG sector.

AMO has been working since January 2005 to secure employment opportunities for experienced LNG officers with a high-quality company. Teekay signed an agreement with AMO National President Tom Bethel Oct. 11, 2006, to begin integrating its vessel operations with U.S. officers represented by AMO.

Teekay entered the LNG market in early 2004 with the acquisition of Naviera F. Tapias, which included four LNG vessels.

A well-established marine energy transportation company, Teekay was founded in 1973 by the late Torben Karlshoej. The company's fleet currently numbers more than 150 vessels and carries approximately 10 percent of the world's sea-borne oil. The company has 21 offices in 17 countries, and has 21 additional vessels on order.

"Working with Teekay, AMO is now taking pioneering steps into the international LNG trade," Bethel said. "Our union is creating opportunities for AMO members in a market where there is an unwavering forecast for expansion and demand for their experience, training and professionalism.

"AMO officers have the recent LNG experience and training required for this trade," Bethel said. "Through the LNG training and simulation programs now available to AMO members at STAR Center, we have the resources to expand the base within our membership and meet the strong demand for qualified and experienced officers in the LNG market. I am excited about these first steps, and we are looking forward to a lasting relationship and new opportunities with Teekay Shipping."

Last October, Teekay took delivery of the first of nine LNG newbuilds the company had recently ordered. Two more vessels have since been delivered. Delivery of the last newbuild in this group is expected in early 2009. The new ships will be manned with a blend of Teekay's existing LNG officers and by new hires with LNG experience and recency. All of the vessels will commence service under either 20 or 25-year fixed-rate contracts with major energy companies.

Teekay has a well-defined corporate culture, which emphasizes high standards, ethics and a rigorous interview process. Teekay makes a significant investment in new hires and enjoys a very low turnover rate (less than 5 percent). Teekay's SCOPE program (Seafarer Competency for Operational Excellence) is an extensive in-house training, mentoring and assessment program, which includes training on MPRI liquid cargo simulator equipment.

RTM STAR Center recently conducted its first course on the new MPRI liquid cargo simulator and has integrated the course into the LNG training program for AMO members on the campus in Dania Beach, Fla.

The advantages AMO offers Teekay include:

Experienced and qualified LNG officers with recency
Officers rigorously vetted by the U.S. Coast Guard for the U.S. LNG import market
Bahamian-flag equivalency with U.S. Coast Guard licenses
Engineers for steam, slow-speed diesel and dual fuel/diesel electric
Training synergy with the RTM STAR Center (MPRI liquid cargo simulation)
ISO-certification
Recruitment system with U.S. maritime academies

Teekay fully expects to maintain its high standards despite the worldwide shortage of qualified and experienced LNG officers. The company recognizes that AMO offers an excellent solution in meeting the demand for LNG manning.

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