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General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has commenced construction of the second of three 50,000-deadweight-tonne, 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 is to be constructed at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

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, signalled 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."

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 and reduced emissions.

The tankers were designed by DSEC Co Ltd, a subsidiary of South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

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 tanks.

"Each of these tankers will play a key role in offering SEA-Vista's customers the most modern and fuel efficient vessels available as they address their Jones Act transportation requirements for the movement of their current and projected crude oil and refined product volumes in the U.S.," General Dynamics said.

The Jones Act is a U.S. federal statute that provides for the promotion and maintenance of the American merchant marine. Amongst other purposes, the law regulates maritime commerce in U.S. waters and between U.S. ports and it requires that ships carrying cargo between U.S. ports be built in U.S. shipyards.