U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs Washington, D.C. www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm

News

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MARAD 14-06	Contact: Shannon Russell
Tuesday, November 28, 2006	Tel.: (202) 366-5807

Maritime Administration Reports Sale of Tanker Vessel Lexington to New Orleans Firm

Southern Scrap Material Will Recycle Steel

The Maritime Administration announced today that it has sold the obsolete vessel Lexington for to Southern Scrap Material Corporation of New Orleans, La. The vessel, a tanker, was built in 1958 and is currently located in the Beaumont Reserve Fleet in Texas.

Steel and other materials from the ship will be recycled. Southern Scrap Material purchased two other vessels from the Maritime Administration in May. “This is a good bargain for the American taxpayer and helps create jobs in New Orleans,” said Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton.

The Maritime Administration keeps ships in the National Defense Reserve Fleet sites to support Armed Forces movements and to respond to national emergencies. When the ships become obsolete, the Maritime Administration arranges for their responsible disposition. Steel from the ship will be recycled. The Lexington is expected to depart the Beaumont Reserve Fleet within 45 days.

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