Intermarine Adds to U.S. Flag Fleet

Intermarine recently expanded its U.S.-flagged fleet by reflagging the Ocean Freedom, formerly Industrial Freedom, at Industrial Terminals in Houston on Oct. 21, 2011.

The ship, which was built last year, is the carrier's fifth U.S.-flagged vessel. It will be employed in trade throughout the world, the carrier said; on its first voyage since reflagging, the carrier said the vessel was loaded at Industrial Terminals with oil refinery components and LNG drilling equipment bound for South America and Oceania.

The 14,000 dwt Ocean Freedom has two 400-ton cranes with a combined lifting capacity of 800 tons, and one 80-ton crane. The tween decks are adjustable, and hatches and holds are up to 270 feet long, the carrier said.

“The Ocean Freedom is one of the most versatile cargo ships to ever fly the US flag,” said Andre Grikitis, president of Intermarine, in the company's announcement. “Its house forward design and heavy lift cranes allow it to carry modules and components with extreme dimensions without interfering with navigation sight lines or requiring shore side equipment.”

Ocean Freedom's officers and crew come from the Seafarers International and American Maritime Officers unions.