U.S. shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO on October 16 cut steel for two LNG-conversion ready Jones Act tankers ordered separately by American Petroleum Tankers (APT) and SEA-Vista Newbuild II LLC.
The tanker built for APT is the fifth and final in the series of ECO 50,000 dwt tankers, each capable of carrying 330,000 barrels of cargo.
One day later, on October 17, General Dynamics NASSCO and APT organized a christening ceremony for the first tanker in the series. The tanker was named the Lone Star State.The tanker being built for SEA-Vista is the third in the series, and is a continuation of the ECO MR Tanker design.
Lone Star State Christening: Mrs. Helen Downs Christens the Lone Star State at General Dynamics NASSCO | October 17, 2015 from General Dynamics NASSCO on Vimeo .
All the tankers ordered by both APT and Sea-Vista are 610-foot long, and are equipped with Ballast Water Management Systems.
The tankers were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) of Busan, South Korea.
DSEC’s ECO design achieves improved fuel efficiency through several features, including a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form.
The tankers will have conversion-capable, dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate the future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system and tanks.