Posted: December 22, 2014

General Dynamics NASSCO starts construction on second APT tanker in series


The following is excerpted from an article released December 18 by General Dynamics NASSCO. American Maritime Officers will represent all licensed officers aboard the ships being built for American Petroleum Tankers. A video report on the start-of-construction ceremony is available online.

SAN DIEGO - General Dynamics NASSCO signaled the start of construction of a second "ECO" tanker to be built for American Petroleum Tankers at a steel cutting ceremony at NASSCO's San Diego-based shipyard. U.S. Rep. Scott Peters signaled the beginning of construction by pressing a button to cut the first piece of steel. NASSCO began construction on the first tanker in September 2014.

As part of a five-tanker contract, the new ECO tankers solidify a mutual commitment between General Dynamics NASSCO and American Petroleum Tankers to design, build and operate innovative and increased energy-efficient and fuel-saving products. Each of the five 50,000 deadweight ton product carriers will be LNG-conversion ready and will have a 330,000-barrel cargo capacity. With a specialized ECO design, the tankers are more energy efficient and incorporate environmental protection features, including a Ballast Water Treatment System.

"NASSCO is providing our customers with some of the most energy-efficient, fuel-saving, and cost-effective tankers in the world," said Kevin Graney, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics NASSCO. "The construction of the first tanker for American Petroleum Tankers is well underway at NASSCO and we are pleased to begin construction on a second tanker for the company today."