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Orca-class trailership delivered to TOTE for Jones Act service
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| 'Midnight Sun' provides new jobs for AMO; 'North Star' to follow |
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American Maritime Officers in April manned one of two Jones Act newbuilds that will provide lasting employment for licensed deck and engine officers in the American merchant fleet.
Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) took delivery of the MV Midnight Sun, th first of two trailerships being built by National Steel and Shipyard Company in San Diego, Calif. The second Orca-class ship, the MV North Star, is scheduled to be christened June 14. "These new ships are the first steps into the future of U.S.-flag shipping for AMO," said AMO National President Michael McKay. "TOTE is leading the way in the renewal of the Jones Act dry cargo fleet with state-of-the-art ships that can provide safe, reliable cargo service and employment for American seafarers for years to come." The trailerships, the first commercial dry cargo vessels to be built in the U.S. in 10 years, will sail in TOTE's regular service between Tacoma, Wash., and Anchorage, Alaska. American Maritime Officers also represents the licensed officers working aboard three other TOTE ships: the Northern Lights, Great Land and Westward Venture, all of which are operated by Interocean Ugland Management. The new vessels are each 840 feet long and 118 feet wide, and are capable of carrying up to 600 cargo trailers and 220 autos, as well as oversized freight. Both ships employ the latest in marine technologies, including twin-screw diesel-electric propulsion capable of more than 24 knots, and have received awards for their designs. These awards include the States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force Legacy Award for 2000, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner's 2000 Pollution Prevention Award and the U.S. Coast Guard's William M. Benkert Foundation 2002 Environmental Excellence Bronze Award. |
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