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Car carrier reflagging U.S. (10/9)

The union is welcoming new shipboard jobs as American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) adds a fifth U.S.-flag car carrier to its fleet. Currently trading as the Takamine, the vessel is scheduled to reflag this month under the Stars and Stripes. It will be renamed the Freedom during a ceremony in Baltimore. Pacific-Gulf Marine (PGM) will manage and operate the Freedom, built in 1997. The ship has a total capacity of 5,890 cars (or 803 trucks) and is ideally suited for roll-on/roll-off, project and “heavylift” cargoes. A sister ship to the Tanabata, the vessel will be deployed in ARC’s service between the U.S. East Coast and Northern Europe. “This is great news for the union, and we look forward to providing the unlicensed crew for the Freedom,” noted Seafarers Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “The reflagging also is good news for national security, because it helps maintain a strong pool of trained, loyal U.S. mariners.” PGM Chief Executive Officer Todd B. Johnson stated, “We are looking forward to performing the ongoing management and operation of the Freedom. This is an exciting project for PGM and a welcome addition to the U.S.-flag fleet.”