Construction begins on fourth ECO tanker

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

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/12052015/kick-off-for-apt-fourth-tanker-730/