General Dynamics NASSCO has announced the start of construction of a fourth ‘ECO’ tanker to be built for American Petroleum Tankers (APT).
The company held a steel cutting ceremony on 8 May at its San Diego shipyard. US Representative Susan Davies signalled the beginning of construction by pressing a button to cut the first piece of steel.
The tanker is part of a five-tanker contract between General Dynamics NASSCO and APT. Each 50 000 DWT product carrier will be LNG-conversion ready, and will be able to carry 330 000 bbls of cargo.
Kevin Graney, VP and GM of General Dynamics NASSCO, commented: "These Jones Act-qualified tankers are some of the most energy-efficient, fuel-saving and cost-effective tankers in the world. They are also instrumental in providing high-quality, good-paying jobs. NASSCO is leading the way in America for designing and building new and innovative green ship technologies."
Rob Kurz, President of APT, added: "We are very excited to be starting construction on our fourth tanker at General Dynamics NASSCO. We look forward to taking delivery of another highly fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vessel that will provide first class service to our customers.”
Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward