Build begins for US tankers

The ships are based on a standard design by Hyundai Mipo Dockyards, and will be about 183m (600ft) long of 50,000dwt capacity. The design is said to incorporate fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability, and will comply with latest regulatory requirements. Retrofitting for LNG fuel is being considered during the build. The total value of the four-ship contract is put at around US$500 million.

The start of construction was marked by a plate cutting ceremony in the yard’s fabrication shop, attended by representatives of APSI and Crowley. APSI CEO Kristian Rokke said: “We are excited to partner with Crowley to provide safe and reliable long term transportation options for the growing US petroleum market. APSI has a strong history of building similar product tankers that are each playing a fundamental role in moving our nation’s energy today.”

APSI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oslo-based Aker Philadelphia Shipyard ASA, and specialises in building larger vessels for the Jones Act market. It is currently constructing two 115,000dwt tankers for ExxonMobil affiliate SeaRiver for 2014 delivery in 2014 and recently signed contracts for two gas-fuelled 3,600teu containerships for Matson Navigation which will be delivered in 2018.