AMO Currents - New jobs for AMO as <i>Ocean Freedom</i> enters service under U.S. flag

AMO Currents - Posted: November 15, 2011

New jobs for AMO as Ocean Freedom enters service under U.S. flag

In October, Intermarine affiliate US Ocean LLC re-flagged the heavy-lift ship M/V Ocean Freedom into U.S. registry, expanding the company's U.S.-flag fleet to five vessels and bringing new jobs to the membership of American Maritime Officers in international trades shipping U.S. cargo preference and commercial project cargoes.

"AMO is extremely pleased with this ongoing investment in the U.S.-flag fleet and the growth of our job base in commercial, military and cargo preference trades," said AMO National President Tom Bethel. "Our union and the AMO officers working aboard these heavy-lift vessels have a long and successful record with Intermarine's U.S.-flag operations, and we're looking forward to a strong and productive future with the company and its U.S.-flag affiliates."

Over the past eight years, the company has steadily expanded its fleet of U.S.-flagged heavy-lift ships, which in addition to the Ocean Freedom includes the Ocean Atlas, Ocean Titan, Ocean Charger and Ocean Crescent. The Ocean Freedom is being operated by Crowley Liner Services, while the other four ships are currently operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine. All five ships are manned in all licensed positions by AMO.