By Mark Edward Nero
On Saturday, March 25, General Dynamics NASSCO christened and launched the Palmetto State – the final ship in an eight-ship “ECO Class” tanker program to be constructed at the company’s San Diego headquarters.
According to NASSCO, the new ECO-class design symbolizes the emerging direction of the shipping industry in the US toward cleaner, more fuel-efficient modes of transporting product. The design provides a 33 percent fuel efficiency improvement compared to product tankers built just a few years ago.
In 2013, NASSCO entered into agreements with two companies, American Petroleum Tankers and SEA-Vista LLC, to design and construct a total of eight 50,000 deadweight-ton, LNG-conversion-ready product tankers to include a 330,000-barrel cargo capacity each. Seven of the eight tankers have been delivered to their respective customers. The final tanker, the Palmetto State, is scheduled for delivery this summer.
More than a thousand shipbuilders, their families and friends, and members of the community attended the christening celebration. Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) served as the principal speaker for the event.
The ship’s sponsor, who christened the vessel with the traditional break of a champagne bottle on the ship’s hull, was Linda Rankine, the wife of Bill Rankine, manager of marine chartering and operations for CITGO. NASSCO’s manager of planning, Karen Herrmann, served as the trigger honoree, and CITGO marine chartering manager Shari Flippin acted as the first shore removal honoree.
The Palmetto State and her sister ships are the most fuel-efficient tankers to service the Jones Act trade, according to NASSCO, which is the only major shipyard on the West Coast of the United States conducting design, construction and repair of commercial and US Navy ships.
In the past decade, NASSCO has delivered 29 ocean-going ships to government and commercial customers, including the world’s first LNG-powered containerships. In the past two years, NASSCO processed more than 120,000 tons of steel.
Showing posts with label American Petroleum Tankers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Petroleum Tankers. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
NASSCO Christens Petroleum Tanker
By Mark Edward Nero
On Sept. 17, General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a christening ceremony for the fourth ECO Class tanker for American Petroleum Tankers under construction at the company’s San Diego shipyard.
US Representative Juan Vargas spoke at the ceremony, and the ship’s sponsor, Melissa DeVeau, christened the ship with the traditional break of a champagne bottle alongside the ship.
“This state-of-the-art vessel will be another welcome addition to our growing fleet – one that will provide safe and reliable transportation for our customers in the decades ahead. We applaud our partners at NASSCO for making this day possible,” American Petroleum Tankers President Rob Kurz said. The ECO Class tanker Bay State is the fourth of a five-tanker contract between NASSCO and American Petroleum Tankers, which calls for the design and construction of five 50,000 deadweight ton, LNG-conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity.
The 610-foot-long tankers are equipped with a new “ECO” design, which provide an upgrade in fuel efficiency. The first three ships of the ECO Class program for APT – the Lone Star State, the Magnolia State, and the Garden State – are delivered and in service. The fifth and final ship under the contract is scheduled to be delivered in 2017.
All five tankers were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of Busan, South Korea.
“We celebrate the significance of the Bay State and her sister ships in the ECO Class program,” General Dynamics NASSCO Vice President & General Manager Kevin Graney said during the christening. “Upon each respective delivery, the ships constructed as part of this partnership with American Petroleum Tankers will join the ranks as some of the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly tankers in the world.”
On Sept. 17, General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a christening ceremony for the fourth ECO Class tanker for American Petroleum Tankers under construction at the company’s San Diego shipyard.
US Representative Juan Vargas spoke at the ceremony, and the ship’s sponsor, Melissa DeVeau, christened the ship with the traditional break of a champagne bottle alongside the ship.
“This state-of-the-art vessel will be another welcome addition to our growing fleet – one that will provide safe and reliable transportation for our customers in the decades ahead. We applaud our partners at NASSCO for making this day possible,” American Petroleum Tankers President Rob Kurz said. The ECO Class tanker Bay State is the fourth of a five-tanker contract between NASSCO and American Petroleum Tankers, which calls for the design and construction of five 50,000 deadweight ton, LNG-conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity.
The 610-foot-long tankers are equipped with a new “ECO” design, which provide an upgrade in fuel efficiency. The first three ships of the ECO Class program for APT – the Lone Star State, the Magnolia State, and the Garden State – are delivered and in service. The fifth and final ship under the contract is scheduled to be delivered in 2017.
All five tankers were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of Busan, South Korea.
“We celebrate the significance of the Bay State and her sister ships in the ECO Class program,” General Dynamics NASSCO Vice President & General Manager Kevin Graney said during the christening. “Upon each respective delivery, the ships constructed as part of this partnership with American Petroleum Tankers will join the ranks as some of the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly tankers in the world.”
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
NASSCO Delivers 2nd APT Tanker
By Mark Edward Nero
On May 19, San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO commemorated the delivery of ECO Class tanker Magnolia State to longtime customer American Petroleum Tankers, making it the fifth ship NASSCO shipbuilders have delivered in the past eight months.
It was a week earlier, on May 12, that the Magnolia State returned to the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard following a week of successful tests and trials at sea.
The Magnolia State is the second of a five-tanker contract between NASSCO and APT, which calls for the design and construction of five 50,000 deadweight ton, LNG conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity.
The 610-foot-long tankers are equipped with a new “ECO” design, which provides a 33 percent fuel efficiency improvement compared to product tankers built only a few years ago.
The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of South Korea. The design incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features, and will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system.
The construction and operation of the new ECO Class tankers are aligned with the Jones Act, requiring that ships carrying cargo between US ports be built in US shipyards. The Magnolia State, along with others in the ECO Class, are the first in the Jones Act fleet to obtain a PMA-Plus notation from the American Bureau of Shipping, representing compliance with one of the highest standards of human factors in engineering design.
The PMA-Plus notation is created to facilitate safe access to vessel structure and spaces in ways that are rooted in the fundamentals of human ergonomics.
On May 19, San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO commemorated the delivery of ECO Class tanker Magnolia State to longtime customer American Petroleum Tankers, making it the fifth ship NASSCO shipbuilders have delivered in the past eight months.
It was a week earlier, on May 12, that the Magnolia State returned to the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard following a week of successful tests and trials at sea.
The Magnolia State is the second of a five-tanker contract between NASSCO and APT, which calls for the design and construction of five 50,000 deadweight ton, LNG conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity.
The 610-foot-long tankers are equipped with a new “ECO” design, which provides a 33 percent fuel efficiency improvement compared to product tankers built only a few years ago.
The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of South Korea. The design incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features, and will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system.
The construction and operation of the new ECO Class tankers are aligned with the Jones Act, requiring that ships carrying cargo between US ports be built in US shipyards. The Magnolia State, along with others in the ECO Class, are the first in the Jones Act fleet to obtain a PMA-Plus notation from the American Bureau of Shipping, representing compliance with one of the highest standards of human factors in engineering design.
The PMA-Plus notation is created to facilitate safe access to vessel structure and spaces in ways that are rooted in the fundamentals of human ergonomics.
Friday, May 13, 2016
NASSCO Launches 3rd LNG-Ready Tanker
By Mark Edward Nero
On May 7, General Dynamics NASSCO shipbuilders in San Diego launched and christened the third in a series of ECO-class tankers. Once delivered, Garden State would also join the ranks as one of the more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly product tankers globally.
Garden State is the latest of a five-tanker contract between NASSCO and American Petroleum Tankers, which calls for the design and construction of five 50,000-deadweight-ton, LNG-conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000-barrel cargo capacity.
On April 23, NASSCO hosted a similar christening ceremony in San Diego for its second ECO-class tanker for American Petroleum Tankers, Magnolia State.
The 610-foot-long tankers are equipped with a new design enabling improvement in fuel efficiency. They will be used to transport products — such as petroleum — that help fuel America’s businesses and homes.
The construction and operation of Garden State and its sister ships are aligned with the Jones Act, requiring that ships carrying cargo between U.S. ports be built in U.S. shipyards.
Garden State, along with others in the ECO class, are the first in the Jones Act fleet to obtain a PMA-plus notation, representing compliance with one of the highest standards of human factors in engineering design.
The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of South Korea. The design incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features, including a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form.
The tankers will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system.
On May 7, General Dynamics NASSCO shipbuilders in San Diego launched and christened the third in a series of ECO-class tankers. Once delivered, Garden State would also join the ranks as one of the more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly product tankers globally.
Garden State is the latest of a five-tanker contract between NASSCO and American Petroleum Tankers, which calls for the design and construction of five 50,000-deadweight-ton, LNG-conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000-barrel cargo capacity.
On April 23, NASSCO hosted a similar christening ceremony in San Diego for its second ECO-class tanker for American Petroleum Tankers, Magnolia State.
The 610-foot-long tankers are equipped with a new design enabling improvement in fuel efficiency. They will be used to transport products — such as petroleum — that help fuel America’s businesses and homes.
The construction and operation of Garden State and its sister ships are aligned with the Jones Act, requiring that ships carrying cargo between U.S. ports be built in U.S. shipyards.
Garden State, along with others in the ECO class, are the first in the Jones Act fleet to obtain a PMA-plus notation, representing compliance with one of the highest standards of human factors in engineering design.
The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of South Korea. The design incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features, including a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form.
The tankers will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
NASSCO Christens LNG-Ready Tanker
By Mark Edward Nero
On April 23, General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a christening
ceremony for the second ECO Class tanker for American Petroleum Tankers under
construction at the company’s shipyard in San Diego.
The Magnolia State is the second of a
five-tanker contract between NASSCO and American Petroleum Tankers, which calls
for the design and construction of five 50,000 deadweight ton,
LNG-conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity.
The 610-foot-long tankers are equipped with a new “ECO”
design that is expected to provide a significant improvement in fuel
efficiency. Upon delivery, the Magnolia State will join the ranks
as one of the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly tankers in the
world, according to NASSCO.
“The revolutionary ECO Class provides our customers with an
alternative option for transporting product that is cost-effective and friendly
to the environment,” General Dynamics NASSCO President Fred Harris said in a
prepared statement.
The construction and operation of the new ECO Class tankers
are aligned with the Jones Act, which requires that ships carrying cargo
between US ports be built in US shipyards.
The Magnolia State, along with others in
the ECO Class, are the first in the Jones Act fleet to obtain a PMA+ notation,
representing compliance with one of the highest standards of human factors in
engineering design. The PMA+ notation is created to facilitate safe access to
vessel structure and spaces in ways that are rooted in the fundamentals of
human ergonomics.
“We look forward to taking delivery of our second ECO Class
tanker from NASSCO, said Robert Kurz, vice president of Kinder Morgan Terminals
and president of American Petroleum Tankers, a Kinder Morgan subsidiary. And we
thank NASSCO for their continued support which paved the way for this important
milestone to be achieved.”
The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo
Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of Busan, South Korea. The design
incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features,
including a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form.
The tankers will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary
engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas
system.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
NASSCO Delivers American Petroleum Tanker
By Mark Edward Nero
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.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
General Dynamics NASSCO Begins Tanker Construction
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.
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.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Kinder Morgan Buying Tanker Companies
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners said Dec. 23 that it is buying
American Petroleum Tankers (APT) and State Class Tankers (SCT) from affiliates
of The Blackstone Group and Cerberus Capital Management for $962 million in
cash.
“This is a strategic and complementary extension of our
existing crude oil and refined products transportation business,” John
Schlosser, president of KMP’s Terminals division said in a statement.
APT and SCT are involved in the marine transportation of
crude oil, condensate and refined products in the United States domestic trade.
APT’s fleet consists of five medium range product tankers,
each with 330,000 barrels of cargo capacity. With an average vessel age of about
four years, the APT fleet is one of the youngest in the industry. Each vessel
is operating pursuant to long-term time charters with major integrated oil
companies, major refiners and the US Navy.
Crowley Maritime operates APT's vessels.
SCT has commissioned the construction of four medium range
product tankers, each with 330,000 barrels of cargo capacity. The vessels are
scheduled to be delivered in 2015 and 2016 and are being built by General
Dynamics’ NASSCO shipyard. Kinder Morgan says it plans to invest about $214
million to complete construction of the SCT vessels.
“Product demand is growing and sources of supply continue to
change, in part due to the increased shale activity,” Schlosser explained. “As
a result, there is more demand for waterborne transportation to move these
products. We are purchasing tankers that provide stable fee-based cash flow
through multi-year contracts with major credit worthy oil producers.”
The transaction, which is subject to standard regulatory
approvals, is expected to close during the first quarter of 2014.
