Philly Shipyard Inc. (PSI) has announced that it has laid the keel for the second of four product tankers for American Petroleum Tankers (APT). The 600 ft long tanker will be complete in 2017, and will have a total capacity of 50 000 t of crude oil or refined products.
The Tier II 50 000 DWT tankers are based on Hyundai Mipo Dockyards’ (HMD) design, which includes a number of fuel efficiency features and flexible cargo capability. The vessels will also be built with consideration for LNG propulsion in the future.
In late May 2016, PSI will also open its new training academy, which will provide training for all levels of product personnel. This will include new hires to experienced shipbuilders. It will also house the shipyard’s apprentice programme.
The President and CEO of Philly Shipyard, Steinar Nerbovik, said: “With shipbuilding milestones like keel laying and facility milestones like the opening of our training academy, we continue to propel our organisation into the future. Both are significant milestones in the plan to maintain our position as both a premier shipyard and employer.”
The four vessels being constructed for APT are scheduled for delivery in 2016 and 2017.
Edited from press release by David Rowlands