General Dynamics NASSCO has held a steel cutting ceremony as it starts construction of the second of five ‘ECO’ tankers for American Petroleum Tankers. NASSCO began construction on the first tanker in September 2014.
Each of the five 50 000 DWT product carriers will be ready for LNG-conversion and will have a capacity for 330 000 bbl. The tankers also incorporate environmental protection features, including a Ballast Water Treatment System.
The five-tanker contract is expected to add approximately 300 jobs in the near future.
"This second tanker marks another milestone in our fleet expansion adding five state-of-the-art vessels constructed and delivered by NASSCO," said Rob Kurz, Vice President of Kinder Morgan Terminals and President of American Petroleum Tankers, a Kinder Morgan Inc. subsidiary. "The expansion is a result of the commitment of our customers through their long-term charter support. We look forward to delivery of the vessels in mid-2017."
Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly