NASSCO cuts steel for second LNG ready SEA-Vista tanker

Button signaling first cut of steel was pushed by NASSCO senior director for human resources Debora Burke (left) who was presented with a mini robot as a memento by Kim Clark (right)

JUNE 25, 2015 — General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today 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. Each LNG-conversion ready product tanker will be constructed at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego under Jones Act requirements and will continue to provide well-paying jobs in the local economy.

Representatives from General Dynamics NASSCO and SEA-Vista attended the start of construction ceremony at the NASSCO shipyard where the event’s honoree, Debora Burke, senior director for human resources at NASSCO, 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 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.”

These 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 (BWTS) and reduced emissions.

The tankers have been 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 LNG conversion-capable, dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate the future installation of an LNG fuel gas system and tanks.