GCL starts U.S.-flag vessel service

GCL starts U.S.-flag vessel service    Global Container Lines has started a U.S.-flag vessel service with the introduction of the roll-on/lift-off ship, “Global Patriot,” to its fleet.
   The vessel is suited to carry rolling stock, containers, project cargo, heavy-lift, breakbulk and bulk freight. The “Global Patriot” will mainly trade between the U.S. Gulf, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and East Africa. “All other destinations will be considered on inducement,” the company said.
   New York-based GCL, and its general agent Shiptrade, arrange the movement of hundreds of thousands of tons of U.S. humanitarian cargoes a year. Under U.S. cargo preference rules, the federal government requires that 75 percent of U.S.-financed food-aid shipments be transported on U.S.-flag ships. The Maritime Administration ensures that food-aid agencies follow the cargo preference rules.
   GCL, founded in 1985, started work on obtaining a U.S.-flag ship in 2003 (For more information, read “A piece of the American maritime dream,” July 2003 American Shipper, pages 86-87).