MarAd approves vessel flag transfers

MarAd approves vessel flag transfers    The U.S. Maritime Administration has approved the transfer of four cargo transport vessels to foreign flag registries.
   The agency approved Seattle-based Vessel Management Services’ transfer of the 69-gross-ton towing vessel “Belaya Kuropatka” to the Russian flag registry without change in the vessel’s ownership. The vessel was built in 1982 at Anacortes, Wash.
   MarAd similarly approved Seattle-based Crowley Marine Services’ transfer of the 193-gross-ton towing vessel “Sioux” to the Russian flag registry without change in vessel’s ownership. The vessel was built in 1970 at Tacoma, Wash.
   The agency also approved the transfer of Houston-based Diamond Offshore (USA)’s 13,804-gross-ton semisubmersible vessel “Ocean Ambassador” to the Marshall Islands flag registry without change in ownership. The vessel was built in 1975 at Beaumont, Texas.
   In addition, MarAd approved the sale of San Juan, Puerto Rico-based San Antonio Maritime Corp.’s 9,259-gross-ton barge “Mary Cecilia” to Berendam Holdings, a Dutch corporation for transfer to the Panamanian flag registry.
   Under section 9 of the 1916 Shipping Act, MarAd must approve all applications for flag transfers, scrappings and sales of U.S.-flag vessels.