SIU-contracted and Norfolk, Va.-based Maersk Line, Ltd. on Sept. 25 announced plans to purchase four modern Panamax “G-class” vessels that it will operate under the U.S. flag beginning this month. The vessels replace four older and slower ships enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP).The move means new jobs for the SIU because the four replacement ships—the Maersk Missouri, Maersk Carolina, Maersk Georgia and Maersk Virginia—carry more unlicensed personnel than the vessels they’re supplanting in the MSP. Additionally, the contract covering the new ships calls for increased wages for Seafarers.
“Maersk Line has been an extremely reliable anchor for the U.S. Department of Defense, and this latest announcement reinforces their commitment to the MSP,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “One intent of the MSP was to bring in new tonnage under the American flag, and that’s exactly what is happening.”
The G-class ships—built between 1997 and 2002—also signal increased productivity. Each vessel has 4,300 TEU capacity, which is nearly three times that of the ships they’re replacing. Also, each of the newer vessels is 958 feet long, with a beam of 106 feet a draft of 44 feet. Each ship can travel at greater than 24 knots.
Maersk Line will operate the four vessels in liner service between the U.S. East Coast and ports in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, the company announced.
“Maersk Line, Ltd.’s continued investment in modernizing and upgrading its U.S. flag fleet will increase the containership capacity and capability available to support the needs of the sealift readiness requirements of the U.S. military as well as our commercial customers,” said Ken Gaulden, senior vice president of marketing and government relations.
He added, ““This direct U.S.-flag service will shorten transit times, improve service reliability and provide added cargo security.”
John Clancey, Maersk Inc.’s chairman, stated, “Maersk Line, Ltd. has assembled the largest U.S.-flag fleet in the industry and is proud of that accomplishment. We are working hard to remove various impediments that have stifled growth and investment in the U.S. merchant fleet. In this instance, we were successful. However, many impediments still remain that must be addressed to ensure that a healthy U.S. merchant fleet is available to support our nation’s foreign commerce and national security needs.”
Maersk Line, Ltd. supports each of the branches of the U.S. military by providing ocean transportation services under contract with the Military Traffic Management Command and vessel operations services for the Military Sealift Command; and is a participant in the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement.
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