Maersk brings project cargo ships under US Flag

The ship is one of two sister vessels that MLL acquired in September 2011 and which will sail for Maersk-Rickmers, providing break-bulk and project cargo service for shippers requiring US flag service. Maersk-Rickmers was jointly formed for this purpose by MLL and Rickmers-Linie (America).

“We are pleased to see this reflagging process completed, allowing us to introduce our modern ship and bring new value to the US flag project cargo market,” said Dave Harriss, director of Ship Management and Chartering at MLL. “We are now looking forward to bringing the second ships, ‘Maersk Texas’, under the US flag fleet as we continue to build the service.”

The 19,600 DWT ‘Maersk Illinois’ completed its maiden voyage in Mobile, Alabama where its reflagging was performed. The vessel, which is ideally suited for handling a wide variety of heavy and bulky cargo, will make port calls on inducement around the globe.