General Dynamics NASSCO launches Independence vessel

General Dynamics NASSCO has successfully launched the Independence – a 610 ft long, 50 000 DWT, LNG conversion-ready product tanker with a 330 000 barrel cargo capacity. The construction of the vessel began in November 2014.

The vessel, which is the first in a series of ECO Class tankers for the SEA-Vista fleet, was launched from NASSCO’s shipyard in San Diego, US. It was christened by Allison Moran – the CEO of RaceTrac Petroleum – and was released into the San Diego Bay by Jayne Rathburn – the former CEO and owner of US Joiner. SEA-Vista is a partnership between SEACOR Holdings Inc. and Avista Capital Partners. Seabulk Tankers Inc. will operate the vessel.

Kevin Graney, the Vice President and General Manager of General Dynamics NASSCO, said: “General Dynamics NASSCO shipbuilders are revolutionising the future of American shipping with the concept and construction of innovative, cost-saving, and environmentally-sound vessels.

“When delivered, these ECO Class, Jones Act-qualified tankers will be among the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly tankers anywhere in the world.”

Daniel Thorogood, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Seabulk Tankers, said: “We are pleased to complete this important milestone for the first in a series of three fuel-efficient, ECO Jones Act product tankers that will be delivering into the SEA-Vista fleet and operated by Seabulk Tankers.”

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/14122015/general-dynamics-nassco-launches-independence-vessel-1761/