Aker Philadelphia launches seventh tanker

Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (Oslo: AKPS), has launched Hull 011, the seventh in a series of 12 product tankers to be completed by 2011. When completed, the 600 foot long vessel will be sold to American Shipping Company (Oslo: AMSC) and bareboat chartered to OSG America for use transporting petroleum products. It is to be named Overseas Nikiski.

The 46,000 dwt vessel was floated off of its blocks late in the morning on Friday, and was transferred by tug the next day from the Building Dock to the Outfitting Dock, where it will remain for the next few weeks as it undergoes testing and commissioning in preparation for sea trials next month.

Hull 011 is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2009 and will join its six sister ships in transporting petroleum products in the Jones Act.