NASSCO Cuts Steel on Second LNG-Ready Product Tanker for SEA-Vista

An illustration of DSEC’s ECO tanker design. Image credit: General Dynamics NASSCO

General Dynamics NASSCO signaled the start of construction for the second of three 50,000 deadweight ton, 330,000 barrel cargo capacity product tankers for SEA-Vista Newbuild III LLC, a subsidiary of SEACOR Holding Inc.

All three of the LNG-conversion ready product tankers 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 Thursday, June 25. The honoree, senior director for human resources at NASSCO, Debora Burke, signaled the beginning of construction by pressing a button to cut the first piece of steel.

“We are pleased to begin construction on the second state-of-the-art Jones Act-qualified tanker for our customer, SEA-Vista,” said General Dynamics NASSCO vice president and general manager Kevin Graney. “NASSCO remains committed to building the most economical and environmentally-sound products for Jones Act owners and operators—and these tankers exemplify that commitment.”

The new 610-foot-long vessels are a continuation of the ECO MR Tanker design, offering improved fuel efficiency and incorporating the latest environmental protection features, including a Ballast Water Treatment System and reduced emissions.

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.

The three vessels are expected to be delivered in mid 2016, late 2016 and early 2017.

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