The following is the text of a press release issued March 10 by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard:
(PHILADELPHIA) — Today, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (Oslo:AKPS – News), a leading U.S. commercial shipyard, launched Ship 013, the ninth product tanker in a series of 12 to be completed by 2011. The 46,000 dwt vessel was floated off of its blocks and was transferred by tug from the Building Dock to the Outfitting Dock, where it will remain for the next few weeks as it undergoes continuous testing and commissioning in preparation for its upcoming sea trials. When completed, the 600 foot long vessel, to be named the Overseas Martinez, will be sold to American Shipping Company and bareboat chartered to OSG America for use transporting petroleum products.
The launch of Ship 013 coincides with the conclusion of a month long food drive held by the employees of Aker Philadelphia Shipyard and the Philadelphia Metal Trades Union for Philabundance. This is the second year the shipyard and union have partnered to help provide food for the community.
Jim Miller, President and CEO, said, “This is a shipyard filled with dedicated individuals who care about their work and the community. This passion speaks to the caliber of the people we employ and the ships we build. They put their heart and soul into everything they do, whether at work or within the community.â€
The yard currently has three additional product tankers under construction as part of its historical build program. For more information, and a photo from the launch, please visit http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.akerphiladelphia.com&esheet=6210320&lan=en_US&anchor=www.akerphiladelphia.com&index=1&md5=827df26800c7b0acbd8eb21551c0191a.
Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is a leading U.S. commercial shipyard constructing vessels for operation in the Jones Act market. It possesses a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility and has earned a reputation as the preferred provider of oceangoing merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is a member of the Norwegian-based Aker family of global companies, leaders in global growth markets including energy technologies, energy resources, maritime technologies, seafood and marine biotechnology.
