US-based Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. (APSI) has started construction of the third and fourth 50,000 dwt product tankers in a four vessel order for American Petroleum Tankers (APM), a Kinder Morgan Inc. subsidiary.
The two tankers are scheduled for delivery in 2017 and are based on Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design that incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability, and meets the latest regulatory requirements.
The tankers will also be constructed with consideration for the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for propulsion in the future. When completed, each of the 600-foot tankers will have a carrying capacity of 14.5 million gallons to transport crude oil or refined products.
Construction on the third and fourth 50, 000 dwt product tankers for APT officially began in the shipyard’s fabrication shop on Wednesday, October 7th when guest of honor Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack pushed the button on the shipyard’s plasma cutting machine. The first steel plates that were cut will later become part of the engine room.
“With construction underway on these two product tankers, we celebrate the capstone of an exciting eight tanker series that is part of Philadelphia’s contribution to the energy landscape of this country. The 1,100 men and women working at the shipyard will be busy for years to come completing these tankers and the other vessels we have under contract, ” remarked President and CEO of APSI, Steinar Nerbovik .
“There continues to be a strong demand for domestic marine transportation of petroleum products and crude oil, and these tankers will provide Kinder Morgan with additional new tonnage to better service our customers,” said Robert Kurz, Vice President of Kinder Morgan Terminals and President of APT .
The four 50,000 dwt product tankers for APT are currently under contract with Philly Tankers LLC. In line with the announcement made by AKPS on August 10, 2015, each of these contracts will be assigned by Philly Tankers LLC to APT at vessel delivery.
Also under construction at the shipyard are three 50,000 dwt product tankers for Crowley with planned deliveries through 2016, the first two 50,000 dwt tankers for APT with planned deliveries in 2016 and 2017, and two containerships for Matson Navigation Company, Inc. with planned deliveries in 2018.