Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is in dear need of financial help. The shipyard has to be able to successfully finish its next projects or otherwise it is likely to close. “If they don’t build these next two ships, this yard is shutting down,” said Manuel “Manny” Stamatakis, chairman of the Philadelphia Shipyard Development Corp. The Navy Yard company once employed 1,000 workers but now needs to be able to construct two more oceangoing tankers to survive and keep its employees.
The reason for the harsh reality is the current economy. The U.S. shipbuilding industry is declining and the Aker has had its last order in May 2010. Their hopes are for the Gov.-elect Tom Corbett to understand because his approval is what the shipyard needs to get the $42 million in capital spending by former Governor Rendell. Currently the contract is still being reviewed.
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