By Mark Edward Nero
General Dynamics NASSCO held a steel cutting ceremony May 8 to signal the start of construction of a fourth tanker being built for American Petroleum Tankers at NASSCO’s San Diego shipyard.
US Rep. Susan Davis (D-San Diego) helped signal the beginning of construction by pressing a button to cut the first piece of steel.
As part of a five-tanker contract, the new ECO tankers solidify an agreement between General Dynamics NASSCO and American Petroleum Tankers to design, build and operate energy efficient and fuel-saving products.
The construction and operation of the new vessels are aligned with the Jones Act, which requires ships carrying cargo between U.S. ports to be built, crewed and owned by U.S. citizens.
Each of the five 50,000 deadweight ton product carriers to be constructed by NASSCO will be LNG-conversion ready and will carry 330,000 barrels of cargo. The tankers are designed to be more energy efficient and incorporate environmental protection features, including a ballast water treatment system.
“These Jones Act-qualified tankers are some of the most energy-efficient, fuel-saving and cost-effective tankers in the world,” General Dynamics NASSCO Vice President and General Manager Kevin Graney said.
NASSCO began construction on the first tanker under the current five-tanker contract in September 2014.
“We look forward to taking delivery of another highly fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vessel,” American Petroleum Tankers Rob Kurz said.
