SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) last month announced that it had won the bid to purchase and operate the MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips and the MV PFC William B. Baugh – a development which preserves Seafarers’ jobs aboard both vessels.In the near future, the Baugh will be renamed the Maersk Texas while the Phillips will be renamed the Maersk Tennessee. The ships will sail in commercial service; previously, they were part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning fleet (since 1984).
The continuation of SIU jobs aboard both vessels is no small accomplishment, considering that six of the seven bidders reportedly planned to scrap them, even though the ships are in good shape. Earlier this year, MSC notified MLL that the charter for each ship would be terminated on July 15. A carefully governed bidding process followed, with MLL emerging the winner. One requirement in the process was that the highest price be attained for the ships.
“The company has acknowledged that the longstanding, effective working relationship between the SIU and Maersk Line, Limited helped give them the reassurance
to proceed in this bidding process,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “They deserve credit for once again demonstrating their commitment to the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I believe that the union and the rank-and-file membership also deserve credit.”
In mid-July, both vessels were transferred to MLL’s commercial fleet and started undergoing minor conversions to accommodate their new missions.
According to the company, the ships will fit well with MLL’s existing U.S.-flag services. They are roughly comparable to older but well-maintained, low-mileage vehicles. One MLL official estimated that the ships “have at least five more years of useful life.”
The Phillips and the Baugh basically are identical. Each vessel is slightly longer than 755 feet, with a beam of 90 feet and a speed of 16.4 knots. Each is a combination container and roll-on/roll-off ship.
Since the mid-1980s, they primarily have operated in Diego Garcia and Guam.
“Much of the crew has been with the prepositioning program for many years, and the unblemished record of mission readiness over 25 years is a testament to their skills and dedication,” said MLL Labor Relations Vice President Ed Hanley. “The new opportunity for commercial trading is being embraced by most crew members, who are looking forward to the challenge with enthusiasm.
“Operational excellence and careful cost management are critical to keeping the U.S. flag competitive in the international trades, and it is comforting as an operator to know we have such outstanding mariners aboard these vessels.”
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