Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (APSI), the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Aker Philadelphia Shipyard ASA, held a ceremonial Keel Laying for the fourth of four product tankers that it is building with Crowley Maritime Corporation (Crowley).
Keeping with long held shipbuilding tradition, coins were placed on one of the keel blocks before the unit was lowered into place in the dry dock. Representatives from APSI and Crowley were in attendance to place the coins and sign the keel block as a gesture of good fortune and safe travels. On behalf of Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, upcoming graduates of the shipyard’s apprenticeship program placed the ceremonial coins. Initiated in 2004, the three-year apprenticeship program develops the next generation of Aker Philadelphia Shipyard employees. The upcoming graduation class will add 24 skilled shipbuilders to the workforce, bringing the shipyard’s apprentices to about 10% of its current workforce. Since the program’s inception, 17 apprentices have moved into management positions and many have obtained additional manufacturing qualifications. The shipyard plans to hire 50 additional apprentices in 2016.
Steinar Nerbovik, APSI’s President and CEO, remarked, “Together we celebrate this important milestone for our vessel and our apprentices by wishing good fortune to both. Empowering fine people and building a solid core of skilled employees is part of our long-term plan to maintain our position as a premier shipyard and employer. Congratulations to all of our current and past graduates on a job well done.”
The next generation 50,000 dwt product tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design which incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability, and the latest regulatory requirements. The vessels will be constructed with consideration for the use of LNG for propulsion in the future.
Source and Image Credit: Aker Philadelphia Shipyard
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