Philadelphia launches fourth tanker

The fourth double-hulled tanker in Aker Philadelphia Shipyard?s current build program was recently floated off its blocks in the yard?s 1,300 foot long building dock and transferred to the adjacent outfitting dock. 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 of vessel built by the yard. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard?s tanker build program consists of firm agreements for twelve 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 this build program will be owned by Aker American Shipping.