MLL Purchases Two U.S. Flag Combination Ships
Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) has completed the purchase of two flag general cargo and roll-on/roll-off combination ships, formerly employed under long-term charter to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC). In early 2008, Military Sealift Command elected to end the charter for the M/V PFC WILLIAM B BAUGH and M/V PVT FRANKLIN J PHILLIPS and redeliver them to their private owners, who then offered them for sale. The ships are 755 feet long and feature six onboard cargo cranes, two side ports and a stern ramp which allow handling of a wide variety of cargo. MLL has operated and managed them in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Prepositioning Program since they entered service in 1984.
In the coming weeks, BAUGH and PHILLIPS will be renamed MAERSK and MAERSK , respectively, and will join MLL’s flag commercial fleet, serving the charter and preference cargo spot markets. Both ships will continue to be crewed in all licensed and unlicensed positions by mariners from American Maritime Officers and Seafarers International Union.