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4th OSG tanker launched (1/28)

Aker Philadelphia Shipyard has issued the following news release, which also is available on their web site HERE FOURTH AKER PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARD TANKER LAUNCHED Vessel is to be first tanker sold under new terms following organizational split from ship-owning company PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 28, 2008) – Hull 008, the fourth double-hulled tanker in Aker Philadelphia Shipyard’s current build program, was floated off its blocks in the yard’s 1,300-foot-long Building Dock and transferred to the adjacent Outfitting Dock on the morning of Saturday, January 26. Testing and commissioning of the vessel’s systems will take place during the coming months, with the ship scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of this year. Steady improvements in production efficiencies have contributed to the shortest duration from start of steel cutting to vessel launch of any vessel built by the yard. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard’s tanker build program consists of firm agreements for 12 46,000 dwt Veteran Class product tankers, with options for up to an additional 13 ships. Three of these tankers were delivered in 2007 and are currently in service; two of the remaining vessels will be converted for use as the first U.S. flag shuttle tankers to serve the emerging Gulf of Mexico market. All of the vessels in the historic build program will be owned by Aker American Shipping. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is a leading US 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. ###