USMMI, a subsidiary of Maersk Line Limited, has purchased a new tanker, the Badlands Trader, which will be re-flagged into the U.S. registry.
Built in 2016, the 50,000 dwt product tanker has been approved for enrollment in the new Tanker Security Program (TSP), which is run by the U.S. Maritime Administration. TSP was recently created to provide fueling options for the U.S. military abroad by using U.S. commercial ships with American crews. The federal funding to provide an annual stipend for the first ten ships in the program has already been authorized with another 10 ships expected to join the fleet in the coming fiscal year.
The Badlands Trader will be manned in all licensed positions by members of American Maritime Officers, bringing new jobs to the union.
“We welcome the Badlands Trader to the U.S. flag fleet and appreciate all the hard work of the AMO officers to accomplish the re-flag and get the vessel ready for service,” said Travis Hansen, Head of Crewing and Tanker Operations, USMMI.
AMO members working aboard the Badlands Trader, here in April, included Captain Craig Bonvino, Chief Mate Cullen Bozza, Second Mate Arron Lamb, Third Mate John Dufrene, Chief Engineer Marc Salerno, First Assistant Engineer Alexander Ruddy, Second A.E. Elliot Sibley and Third A.E. Mahlon Glidden.
