General Dynamics NASSCO has cut the first steel for three 50,000 deadweight ton, 330,000 barrel cargo capacity product tankers for SEA-Vista LLC, a joint venture between SEACOR Holdings Inc. and Avista Capital Partners.
Each LNG-conversion ready product tanker will be constructed at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego under Jones Act requirements.
Representatives from General Dynamics NASSCO and SEA-Vista attended the start of construction ceremony held at the NASSCO shipyard on Friday, November 7.
The honoree, Mrs. Debora Denning, wife of SEACOR Vice President of Engineering Tom Denning, signaled the beginning of construction by pressing a button to cut the first piece of steel.
General Dynamics NASSCO Vice President and General Manager Kevin M. Graney said: “NASSCO remains committed to building the most economical and environmentally-sound products for Jones Act owners and operators—and these tankers exemplify that commitment. Our partnership with SEA-Vista is a clear indication that NASSCO is the shipyard of choice for Jones Act tankers.”
These new 610-foot-long vessels are a continuation of the ECO MR Tanker design.
The tankers were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) of Busan, South Korea.
DSEC’s ECO design achieves improved fuel efficiency through several features, including a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form.
The tankers will have conversion-capable, dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate the future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system and tanks.
Press Release; Image: NASSCO