GD NASSCO Cuts Steel for 2nd APT’s Tanker

General Dynamics NASSCO has started 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.

Under the contract, each of the five 50,000 deadweight ton product carriers will be LNG-conversion ready and will hold 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.

  “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,” said Kevin Graney, Vice President and General Manager of General Dynamics NASSCO.

NASSCO said that the five-tanker contract will also help sustain its workforce of nearly 3,200 and will add approximately 300 more jobs in the near future.

The Jones Act compliant vessels are due for delivery in mid-2017.