American Petroleum Transport Corporation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Oil transportation, Shipping |
| Founded | 1936 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Daniel K. Ludwig |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Key people | Daniel K. Ludwig (President) |
| Products | Oil transportation by sea, Merchant marine vessels operation |
American Petroleum Transport Corporation (American Petroleum Tpt) was established in New York City in 1936 as a company specializing in oil transportation by sea. Daniel K. Ludwig held the position of President. By the year 1939, the firm managed a fleet of eight tankers operating routes between the Gulf of Mexico and Hatteras, North Carolina. The corporation contributed notably to the World War II effort, although several of its vessels were sunk by German U-boat attacks. Additionally, Ludwig founded National Bulk Carriers in the same year.
World War II
Throughout World War II, American Petroleum Transport Corporation operated merchant marine vessels under the authority of the United States Shipping Board. It participated in charter arrangements with both the Maritime Commission and the War Shipping Administration, overseeing Liberty ships and T2 tankers as part of the merchant marine fleet. While the company supplied the ship crews, the United States Navy provided Armed Guards responsible for operating deck guns and communication equipment.
Ships
- Notable vessels operated include:
- Halsey Wreck, a tanker constructed in 1920 by Bethlehem SB Corp, which was sunk by German submarine U-333 near Jupiter, Florida.
- USS Cahaba (AO-82), an Escambia-class oiler built in 1944 and operated between 1947 and 1948.
- World War II Vessels:**
- Liberty Ships:**
- SS Morton Prince
- Horace H. Harvey
- SS William Penn
- ARA Punta Delgada (B–16), also identified as MV Sugarland, a Klickitat-class T1 gasoline tanker.
- T2 Tankers:**
- Four Lakes (T2-SE-A1), used for transporting oil from Texas City to Baltimore during 1946–1948.
- SS Cedar Mills (built 1943), recognized for rescuing the French destroyer Le Triomphant.
- Crow Wing (T2-SE-A1), built in 1945; involved in a collision on March 30, 1945.
- Caliche, operated from 1936 to 1943; originally launched as Chestnut Hill in 1918.
- Fort Laramie (T2-SE-A1), constructed in Mobile, Alabama in 1944.
- Touchet (T2-SE-A1), built in 1943; was attacked by German submarine U-193 during its maiden voyage.
- Camas Meadows (T2-SE-A1), built in 1943; accidentally collided with and sank USS St. Augustine (PG-54) in 1944.