ExxonMobil′s U.S. Marine Affiliate to Build Two New Crude Carriers in Philadelphia
Project to create more than 1,000 jobs during two-year construction
period
Jobs and government revenues to be added to already positive impact of
Marcellus shale development
Double hull vessels to trade between Alaska and U.S. West Coast
Exxon Mobil Corporation′s U.S. marine affiliate, SeaRiver Maritime,
Inc., signed an agreement today with Aker Philadelphia Shipyard for the
construction of two new Liberty Class tankers valued at $400 million,
which will create more than 1,000 direct jobs.
The double hull vessels will be used to transport Alaska North Slope
crude oil to U.S. West Coast destinations and will be built to include
the latest navigation and communications equipment and exceed current
environmental and energy efficiency standards.
'This project is a reminder of the importance of America′s energy
industry during the current challenging economic times,? Andrew P.
Swiger, ExxonMobil senior vice president, said at a ceremony attended by
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett.
'The jobs and other benefits generated by the construction of these
ships will be in addition to the thousands of jobs and millions in
government revenues our industry has already created in Pennsylvania
through development of Marcellus shale gas, which is also providing new,
affordable supplies of energy to fuel our nation′s economy.?
Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, a leading U.S. shipbuilding facility in
Pennsylvania, will build the two U.S. flag, crude oil tankers in
partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries, a leader in shipbuilding
technologies.
Project planning work is under way; construction of the 115,000
deadweight ton tankers is expected to begin by mid-2012. The vessels are
scheduled for delivery in 2014 and each will be capable of carrying
730,000 barrels of crude oil to help meet U.S. energy needs. They will
replace two existing double hull tankers.
All cargo and fuel compartments will be equipped with double hull
protection. Main engine and auxiliary systems will be energy efficient
and generate lower air emissions than what is required by current
regulatory standards.
'Even before the first cut of steel, the project will contribute to the
ongoing growth and development of the economy and Aker Philadelphia
Shipyard,? said Will Jenkins, president of SeaRiver. 'It will support
jobs for the shipyard workforce, for the steel industry, and for
countless material, equipment and service providers across the
commonwealth and beyond. Following commissioning, the vessels will join
our fleet in supporting our customers and the energy needs along the
U.S. West Coast for decades to come.?
Swiger said the U.S. oil and gas industry could do even more to create
jobs and economic growth with access to resources currently kept off
limits to development by government policies.
'America′s energy industry can invest for the long-term, and with every
project success, we can build stronger communities and provide new
sources of revenue to state and local governments,? said Swiger.
'What we celebrate today is a reminder of what America′s energy industry
can do and is doing ? investing in our country. We believe that
expanding supplies of affordable, reliable energy is one of the best
ways to get our economy moving again.?
About SeaRiver
SeaRiver Maritime, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, operates a
fleet of U.S. flag tankers and provides a wide range of technical and
commercial marine services to ExxonMobil affiliates throughout the world.
About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas
company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world′s growing
energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of
resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products,
and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world. For more
information, visit exxonmobil.com.
Media Adviser, Exxon Mobil Corporation
972-444-1107
