American Petroleum Tankers (APT) had placed orders for five tankers with the General Dynamics NASSCO. The first ‘ECO’ tanker was named ‘the Lone Star State’ by the ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Helen Downs with the traditional break of a champagne bottle alongside the ship. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer spoke at the ceremony.
The contract between NASSCO and APT is for the design and construction of five 50,000 deadweight ton, LNG-conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity. The 610-foot-long tankers are of a new “ECO” design, offering improved fuel efficiency and the latest environmental protection features including a Ballast Water Treatment System.
When delivered they will be among the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly tankers anywhere in the world and demonstrate the strong demand for domestic maritime transportation to move petroleum products and crude oil. With seven other operating tankers APT will provide first-class service to growing customer base.
The construction of the ECO tanker was started in September 2014 and the keel was laid in March 2015. The project employed hundreds of San Diegans and helped sustain jobs for thousands more.
The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) of Busan, South Korea. The design incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features, including a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form. The tankers will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system.
On Friday, October 16, NASSCO shipbuilders began construction on a fifth tanker for APT.
The construction and operation of the new tankers are aligned with the Jones Act, which requires that ships carrying cargo between U.S. ports be built in U.S. shipyards.
Source: General Dynamics NASSCO
