NASSCO Floats Out Fourth ECO Tanker

NASSCO US shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO has completed the float-out of the Bay State, the fourth of the five LNG-conversion-ready Jones Act tankers ordered by American Petroleum Tankers. The ECO tanker will be christened at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego on September 17. The five 50,000 dwt tankers have a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity, and are 610 feet long. The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) of Busan, South Korea. The design incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features, including a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form. The tankers will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system. The Bay State and and her ECO Class sister vessels are the first in the Jones Act fleet to obtain a PMA+ Notation. The third vessel in the series, the Garden State, started her sea trials of the coast of California on July 15. World Maritime News Staff