AMO Currents - New jobs for AMO as Maersk Line Limited flags-in tanker

AMO Currents - Posted: August 28, 2008

New jobs for AMO as Maersk Line Limited flags-in tanker

Maersk Line Limited has completed the purchase of a 47,000 dwt tanker, which will be added to the company's U.S.-flag fleet and manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers and in all unlicensed positions by the Seafarers International Union.

The tanker, Maersk Michigan, will be reflagged U.S. early next month, Maersk Line Limited (MLL) announced. The Maersk Michigan (currently the M/T Marco) is a 597-foot double-hulled medium-range tanker built in 2003. The ship will provide U.S. government customers, such as the Defense Energy Support Center, with expanded petroleum transport capacity around the world.

"The addition of this new tanker reflects Maersk Line's confidence in AMO and dedication U.S.-flag shipping," said AMO National President Tom Bethel. "We're encouraged with these new opportunities for AMO members and the continued growth of the union's job base."

AMO members have been working aboard the ship this month as it was prepared for service under U.S. registry.

“The addition of Maersk Michigan represents our commitment to expanding our U.S.-flag fleet and to providing U.S. government customers with strategic tanker capacity where it is needed most,” said Steve Carmel, MLL’s senior vice president of maritime services. “We are also proud that the ship will add new jobs and capacity to the overall U.S.-flag fleet.”