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 www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm

 

  

News

 

MARAD 03-05

Contact: Wes Irvin

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Tel.: (202) 366-5807

 

Another Obsolete Vessel Set To Leave James River

Progress Continues As SS Shirley Lykes Is Eighth Obsolete Ship to Leave the James River Reserve Fleet Since June 2004

 

            Tugboats towed the freighter SS Shirley Lykes from the James River Reserve Fleet (JRRF) on Wednesday, January 26, at approximately 9:40a.m., to Bay Bridge Enterprises in Chesapeake, VA, where it will be dismantled.  The departure schedule is subject to weather and safety clearances. 

 

The Shirley Lykes will be the eighth vessel to leave the James River Fleet for disposal since last June; the disposal contract for the ship was announced Dec. 20, 2004.

 

The Shirley Lykes was built in 1962 at the Bethlehem Shipbuilding yard in Sparrows Point, MD, for the Lykes Bros. Steamship Company.  It was originally built as a breakbulk ship, and was modified in 1972 to carry containers.   

 

            Preparations for towing the Shirley Lykes must be made under the scrutiny of the U.S. Coast Guard.  Towing can take place only when the preparations are deemed safe and seaworthy, and if weather permits.   Maritime Administration (MARAD) officials emphasize that the process is thorough and that safety considerations may delay the towing schedule.

 

MARAD's National Defense Reserve Fleet, of which the JRRF is a part, was established to hold ships that would support cargo movement requirements during military activity or national emergencies. 

 

 

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