U.S. tanker American Phoenix commissioned by MOTC

JULY 18, 2012—The U.S.-flag chemical tanker, 49,000 dwt American Phoenix was recently commissioned by Mid Ocean Tanker Company (MOTC). With the length of 616 feet long, beam of 105 feet and draft of 36 feet, the American Phoenix was completed by BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards in Mobile, AL. It is the largest vessel ever built and launched in the State of Alabama.

The American Phoenix was originally started by now bankrupt AHL as part of a three-ship order. It was acquired at bankruptcy auction by MOTC for $12.65 million. BAE Systems was then contracted to complete construction of the American Phoenix and prepare it for use.

The vessel is owned by MOTC, a joint venture between Mid Ocean Marine and private equity firm Alterna Capital Partners. Sea trials and delivery are scheduled to occur this month. The vessel will conduct trade initially in the Gulf of Mexico.



“Completion and delivery of the American Phoenix is a major event for shipbuilding in the Mobile area,” said Vic Rhoades, director and general manager of BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Alabama. “In total, the construction of this vessel has created more than 150 full-time jobs and has helped us to secure follow-on new construction opportunities.”


BAE Systems posted a video on Youtube outlining the American Phoenix project. The American Phoenix build also demonstrates BAE Systems’ continued growth in the commercial shipbuilding market. The Mobile yard has already begun its next project, which is to build an 8,500 cubic yard capacity trailing suction hopper dredge for Weeks Marine, Inc. That vessel, named MV Magdalen, is scheduled to be finished in 2014. When complete, it will measure 340 feet long and 79 feet wide, with a draft of 27 feet.


Operating management of the American Phoenix will be performed by Seabulk Tankers, a division of Seacor Holdings. The crew are members of the American Maritime Officers Union and the Seafarers International Union.
  
Along with the hundreds of BAE Systems employees and the MOTC team, several local Mobile and Gulf Coast companies were invaluable in the completion of this project. Alternative Marine Technologies, ABS, US Coatings, MMIF, F & S Superb Marine, LES, Diamond Scaffolding, Insulation Inc, Jamestown Metal and Machinery, L-3 Maritime Systems, R+S Stolze, MAK, International Paint, Sea Technology, Bisso Marine Company, Houston Holloway, Universal Services, Offshore Inland, Resolve Engineering and Fire Protection Services all played a significant part in completing the American Phoenix.