On Dec. 4, San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO delivered
the company’s first “ECO Class” tanker, the Lone Star State, to
American Petroleum Tankers.
The vessel is the first of a five-tanker contract between
NASSCO and American Petroleum, which calls for the design and construction of
five 50,000 deadweight-ton, LNG-conversion-ready product tankers with a 330,000
barrel cargo capacity.
The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo
Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of South Korea. The design incorporates
fuel efficiency concepts through several features, including a G-series MAN
Diesel & Turbo ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form.
The tankers will also have the ability to accommodate future
installation of an LNG fuel-gas system.
The 610-foot-long tankers are a new design offering improved
fuel efficiency and the latest environmental protection features including a ballast
water treatment system.
“The delivery of this new vessel symbolizes the future of
American shipping: innovative, cost-effective, and green, General Dynamics
NASSCO President Fred Harris said. “The Lone
Star State, along with the four others we are currently building for
APT, will be among the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly tankers
– anywhere in the world.”
The tankers, Harris said, are 33 percent more fuel-efficient
than five previous tankers built by NASSCO for American Petroleum between
2007-2010.
Since the cut of the first piece of steel, local dignitaries
have been involved in the build process of the tanker.
In September 2014, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer signaled
the start of construction, citing it as “a great example of innovative
technology” and a “symbol of jobs and opportunity.” In March 2015, Faulconer’s
wife Katherine laid the keel. Two months ago, NASSCO shipbuilders christened
the vessel.
The construction and operation of the five new tankers are
aligned with the Jones Act, which requires that ships carrying cargo between US
ports be built in US shipyards.
