On October 12, workers at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, just down Broad Street from the home of the Phillies, will sport baseball caps in addition to their traditional hard hats as they pay tribute to the World Champions and their trademark blue-collar work ethic when the yard holds the milestone keel-laying as it begins assembly of its 10th in a series of ocean going product tankers. Members of the 1,200-strong shipyard crew, who have distinguished themselves for their Phils-like precision and teamwork, will show their support for co-workers and the Phillies as the structurally-critical, 620-ton keel section is lowered into place. In keeping with ship-building tradition, a special Phillies commemorative coin will be placed on the supporting keel blocks as a symbol of good luck for the team in its quest and safe journeys for mariners.
The keel-laying is for the 10th in a series of twelve ocean going product tankers being built at the yard, and the 14th vessel overall. Besides the shipyard workers, representatives of OSG America will be participating in the ceremony as assembly in the dry dock begins on the 46,000 dwt, 600-ft tanker. When completed, it will be sold to American Shipping Company, who in turn will bareboat charter the vessel to OSG.