Fine-tuning Jones Act ATBs

摘要

Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), which inherited the Maritrans ATB fleet, is adapting its tug-barge newbuilds in the face of regulation, market development and the drive towards flexibility. With Alabama's Bender Shipbuilding and Bender-owned Tampa Bay Shipbuilding, OSG has three programmes in the pipeline: the ongoing double-hulling and mid-section additions to its older ATB fleet (see side panel); three 350,000-barrel units geared towards Delaware Bay crude lightering operations that are to be delivered in 2008-9; and three more recently ordered 290,000bbl units for delivery in 2009-10 that will be capable of handling either crude or products.