Last month’s announcement that 10 state-of-the-art tankers will be built for SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group isn’t just another good story. It is a huge boost to the future of our union and our industry.
As you know, I’ve always been an optimist about the SIU and the whole U.S. Merchant Marine, not to mention American shipbuilding. OSG’s commitment to the Jones Act trade is a tremendous signal for our bright future.
In fact, from my view, our future has never looked better.
While the order for 10 tankers in the U.S.-flag commercial sector is tremendously important, it’s not the only recent reason for confidence in the SIU.
Along the East and Gulf coasts, Seafarers are crewing up newly contracted military support ships operated by AMSEA.
Out West, SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company just took delivery of another double-hulled tanker, the second in a series of four new builds. And, Seafarers recently climbed the gangway of a brand new car carrier operated by Interocean Ugland Management.
Overseas, final preparations are being made aboard the Pride of America, the second U.S.-flag cruise ship in NCL America’s fleet. The ship will be christened next month in New York—with an SIU crew on board.
Later this year, the new Maritime Security Program goes into effect. The new MSP calls for 60 U.S.-flag ships, 13 more than in the old program. It is a legislative mandate that ensures the U.S. flag will fly on deep sea commercial ships for at least the next 10 years.
Closer to home, our affiliated school in Piney Point, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, continues providing top-notch instruction for all of its students, whether they are new to our industry or they’re upgrading for the third or fourth time. The Paul Hall Center is every bit as good as advertised—a world-class maritime training facility that helps turn out professional, reliable, dedicated seafarers.
My outlook for our future has always been positive. With so much evidence supporting that point of view, I’m more hopeful than ever about the months and years ahead—and more determined than ever to protect and grow the jobs and job security of this membership.
There are those who never would have believed that anyone would order 10 new U.S.-flag tankers from an American shipyard. I’m one who believes that the new OSG ships are just the beginning.
Maritime Day
Our industry observes National Maritime Day this month, and the SIU as always will be active in ceremonies honoring the mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as part of our country’s fourth arm of defense.
The tributes and memorials hit close to home—thousands of SIU and NMU members gave their lives in World War II. Thousands more have sailed in harm’s way during Korea and Vietnam, during the Persian Gulf War, during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and any other time we’ve been called upon.
The legacy of the U.S. Merchant Marine is one of bravery and reliability. On May 22, or whenever you attend a National Maritime Day ceremony, please remember the courageous souls who gave their all for our freedom.
Printer Friendly Page