Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc., held a naming ceremony earlier today for the second of two tankers being constructed for SeaRiver Maritime, Inc. (SeaRiver), Exxon Mobil Corporation’s U.S. marine affiliate. Political guest speakers included Governor Tom Corbett, Governor-elect Tom Wolfe and Lt. Governor-elect Michael Stack III.
The 800-foot, 115,000 deadweight ton (dwt) tanker was formally christened and given the name Eagle Bay by its sponsor, Mrs. Claire Madden, wife of Andy Madden, Vice President, ExxonMobil Supply and Transportation Company. During the ceremony, Mrs. Madden blessed the ship and its crew, and in keeping with long-held shipbuilding tradition, broke a champagne bottle against the ship.
“We are pleased to come together to bring the second Liberty Class vessel to life among our partners and distinguished guests here today,” remarked Steinar Nerbovik, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO. “It’s another reminder of positive impact that domestic energy production has throughout the United States.”
After delivery, the tanker will transport Alaskan North Slope crude oil from Prince William Sound to the U.S. West Coast. Eagle Bay is equipped with double hull protection, the latest navigation and communications equipment, and energy efficient engines. The first Liberty class vessel, Liberty Bay, was delivered to SeaRiver in June 2014.
APSI has delivered 19 ships in its 15 year history. Also under construction at the shipyard are four 50,000 dwt tankers for Crowley. The shipyard also has contracts for two product tankers for Philly Tankers and two 3,600 TEU containerships for Matson Navigation which will be delivered in 2018. For more information on the shipyard, please visit www.akerphiladelphia.com.