NASSCO Delivers Final ECO Tanker to APT

General Dynamics NASSCO Palmetto State, the eight and final tanker constructed at US-based shipyard General Dynamics NASSCO, was delivered to American Petroleum Tankers (APT). The shipbuilder said that the LNG-ready ECO Class tanker, one of the most fuel-efficient product carriers to enter the Jones Act trade, was handed over during a signing ceremony at its San Diego shipyard on June 7. In 2013, NASSCO entered into agreements with APT and SEA-Vista to design and construct a total of eight 610-foot-long, 50,000 deadweight-ton, LNG-conversion-ready product tankers. Featuring a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity each, the Palmetto State and its sister ships are of an ECO design which offers 33 percent increased fuel efficiency and a corresponding reduction in ship emissions, according to NASSCO. In late May, Palmetto State returned from its first run at sea. The 37,530 gross-ton newbuilding was christened and launched on March 25.