Apl to scrap four container ships

APL has announced it will scrap four US-flagged containerships as the American retreat from Iraq and Afghanistan reduces military cargo. APL said it continues to have ample US-flag capacity to handle diminishing military shipments from Afghanistan and Iraq. "APL remains 100 per cent committed to the US flag. It's part of our heritage," said APL vice president Eric Mensing. The 4,300-TEU ships, the President Adams, President Jackson, President Polk and President Truman, built 30 years ago, were among the first postpanamax containerships (recalling the day when APL was known as the American President Lines) which are now operated by APL's US division.