General Dynamics NASSCO has delivered an ECO-class tanker, Garden State, to American Petroleum Tankers (APT).
The newly delivered vessel is one of three classes of ships delivered by General Dynamics NASSCO since June last year.
The new ECO design offers a 33% increase in fuel efficiency with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity.
APT currently operates a fleet of eight medium range Jones Act-qualified product tankers.
General Dynamics NASSCO vice president and general manager Kevin Graney said: “In the past year, NASSCO shipbuilders have delivered seven ships, or the equivalent to 100,000t worth of steel.
“Among the seven vessels delivered, three have been lead ships: the world’s first containership powered by liquefied natural gas, the US Navy’s first Expeditionary Sea Base and the nation’s most fuel efficient product tanker.”
The company is currently constructing the second expeditionary sea base (ESB) vessel and is under contract to build a third.
During last year, the company delivered the world’s first two containerships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The 764ft long LNG ships, known as Isla Bella and the Perla del Caribe, are currently service on the Puerto Rican-Jacksonville trade route.
In addition, last year NASSCO also delivered four ECO class tankers, with three being for APT and one for a partnership between SEA-Vista and SEACOR Holdings.
The company also has four under construction tankers, which are part of a contract between SEA-Vista and SEACOR Holdings.
In order to access new ship design and shipbuilding technologies, NASSCO has collaborated with DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of Busan, South Korea.
The company also has bi-coastal ship maintenance and repair operation in locations serving various areas in the US including San Diego; Mayport, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; and Bremerton, Washington.
Image: The Garden State on sea trials. Photo: courtesy of NASSCO.
