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General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has entered into a contract with Seabulk Tankers, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SEACOR Holdings Inc., for the design and construction of one 50,000 deadweight ton LNG-conversion-ready product carrier with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity, plus an option for one additional vessel.

Construction is due to begin in 2015, with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2016. The new tanker will be built at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

The new 610-foot-long tanker is a continuation of the ECO MR tanker design, which is said to deliver improved fuel efficiency and incorporate the latest environmental protection features, including a Ballast Water Treatment System.

Including this order, NASSCO is now under contract for the design and construction of seven tankers, plus an option for one additional vessel.

In September, NASSCO entered into a contract with Seabulk for two tankers of the same design. That order was preceded by a contract in May for four vessels from American Petroleum Tankers.

These seven ships are being designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) of Busan, South Korea. DSEC's ECO design is said to achieve 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 Type C LNG tanks.

Kevin Graney, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics NASSCO, said: "NASSCO remains committed to bringing the most economical and environmentally sound technology to Jones Act owners and operators. We are very pleased to extend our partnership with SEACOR through a third and potentially a fourth ECO tanker. This follow-on order is a clear indication that NASSCO is the shipyard of choice for Jones Act tankers."

Charles Fabrikant, executive chairman of SEACOR Holdings, commented: "We are pleased to expand our relationship with NASSCO with this additional Jones Act tanker order. These ECO tankers will play a vital role in offering Seabulk's customers some of the most modern and fuel efficient vessels available as they determine their Jones Act transportation requirements for crude oil and refined products over the coming years."