| Print | Close Window | AMO Currents - Posted: July 28, 2009 |
AMO jobs secure aboard series of new State Class Jones Act tankers
Blackstone has appointed Crowley to be the vessel manager for the five State Class tankers, three of which are under construction at General Dynamics NASSCO and two of which — the Golden State and Pelican State — are already in operation.
“The AMO members sailing aboard these ships are doing excellent work and we’re pleased that our union will continue to represent the officers under the new agreement,” said AMO National President Tom Bethel. “As NASSCO delivers the State Class tankers, new jobs are opened for the AMO membership and new tonnage is added to the Jones Act fleet.”
The announcement of the new management agreement between Blackstone and Crowley was made today in a press release. According to the press release:
The five tankers were to be owned by a joint venture controlled primarily by affiliates of The Blackstone Group and U.S. Shipping Partners. U.S. Shipping filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 earlier this year.
On July 17, 2009, the bankruptcy court approved a settlement agreement, under which U.S. Shipping agreed to release its ownership interest and management role with the company. Blackstone announced that the tanker company will continue under the new name American Petroleum Tankers LLC (APT). Crowley will manage the ships for APT.
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