Published: 4 Sep 2009
Barrington's 20th birthday is being celebrated this week with the announcement the ageing Teekay tanker will be replaced with a new Australian flagged vessel.
In a notice to all crew on board the Barrington, on September 3, David Parmeter Managing Director, Teekay Shipping (Australia) Pty Ltd announced the company had been successful in procuring a new vessel and thanked the crew for the role they had played.
"As you may be aware, the Barrington will shortly turn 20, and will effectively be at the end of its operating life," he said. "I am pleased to advise that Teekay has been successful in securing a replacement vessel.
"The introduction of the Alexander Spirit, as a modern, Australian crewed product tanker on a long term charter is excellent news for Teekay's seastaff, our business in Australia, and the local industry. It is a reflection of the excellent work performed on ship and shore for our customer Caltex, and is a credit to all the seastaff who served on the Barrington over many years," he said.
Teekay formerly took delivery of the Miss Marina, a 40,083 dwt, 2007 built product tanker on Thursday. The vessel will be modified in Singapore and then enter service later in the month as the Alexander Spirit.
Teekay will operate the vessel under a 10 year time charter to Caltex crewed with Australian seafarers. The Barrington will be withdrawn from service.
MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin welcomed the announcement as reflecting increased confidence in Australian shipping under the Rudd Government policy objectives.
"It is for this reason there is real urgency for the governmant to finalise its policy determinations to help support further commitments of this kind from shippers and shipowners," he said.
A joint media release from Teekay and Caltex is being prepared for distribution.
