Avondale, Louisiana -- Just 12 months after signing a contract, and eight months after pre-fab began, Avondale on Friday, May 17, 1996, launched the first of four double-hull product/chemical carriers for American Heavy Lift Shipping Company (AHL) of New Orleans, Louisiana. Attending the side launching were representatives from American Heavy Lift, Maritime Administration, American Bureau of Shipping, and Avondale. The launching marked the first launching of a commercial double-hull tanker in the United States, designed and constructed to comply with requirements of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). This launching follows Avondale's delivery earlier this month to the U.S. Navy of the TAO 203, USNS LARAMIE, the third of three double-hull tankers built for the Navy by Avondale. Immediately after launching, the double-hull forebody was floated into Avondale's 20,000-ton dry dock for joining to an AHL existing stern from which the existing forebody had been removed. Extensive enhancements are also being made to the existing stern. The completed AHL product/chemical carrier is scheduled for delivery in September 1996. This will be the first commercial ship delivered by Avondale since 1984. Avondale Industries, Inc., headquartered in metro New Orleans, is one of the leading marine fabricators in the nation, active in the construction, repair, and conversion of ocean going vessels for both the U.S. Navy and Commercial customers. In addition, the company manufactures boats and builds a wide range of non-marine industrial facilities and components for land-based plants.