Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines LLC (PHTL), the joint venture of The Pasha Group and Van Ommeren Shipping (USA) LLC, have exercised their option with Halter Marine for the construction of a second U.S.-built Jones Act Pure Car and Truck Carrier. According to George W. Pasha, IV, president and CEO of PHTL, "The response we received when we announced our plans for deployment of the first vessel in the Hawaii/Mainland trade was well beyond our expectations and the second vessel will only better serve this market."
The Hawaii/Mainland trade currently generates over 150,000 vehicles per year. A second vessel, which will be a sister ship to the 13,000-dwt vessel under construction at Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss., will enhance the service offering of PHTL by providing increased frequency and superior reliability. This first vessel has a capacity for 4,300 vehicles and Pasha notes, "PHTL's second ship will enable the line to handle a significant segment of this market. Our clients will enjoy this augmented capacity, which will not only meet the needs of the auto shippers by handling peak shipping periods more effectively, but also allow the shipment of heavy and high rolling stock and other cargoes." The new 579-ft. vessel will have 10 decks, including three hoistable and three strong decks, and a 100-ton stern ramp. Combined with the sister vessel, the two ships will provide weekly service between Hawaii and two California ports.
Halter Marine is a division of Friede Goldman Halter, a world leader in the design and manufacture of vessels and equipment for the maritime and offshore energy industries. PHTL has submitted on December 7, 2000 a Title XI financing application for consideration by the U.S. MarAd. The current vessel under construction at Halter Marine is on budget and ahead of its scheduled Spring 2002 delivery.