On March 25, US shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO christened and launched Palmetto State – the final ship in an eight-ship ECO Class tanker program.
In 2013, NASSCO entered into agreements with two companies, American Petroleum Tankers (APT) and SEA-Vista LLC, to design and construct a total of eight 50,000 dwt LNG-conversion-ready product tankers with a barrel cargo capacity of 330,000 each.
Seven of the eight tankers were delivered to their owners.
The eight ship, Palmetto State, is scheduled for delivery this summer.
“What began nearly five years ago as a concept to design and build the Palmetto State and her sister ships involved nearly 4,000 individuals coming together for one common purpose,” Kevin Graney, President of General Dynamics NASSCO , said.
The ships feature an ECO design, offering 33 percent increased fuel efficiency and cleaner shipping options.
Image Courtesy: NASSCO