Construction begins on first tanker in series of nine for U.S. Shipping

Construction begins on first tanker in series of nine for U.S. Shipping

Construction on the first in a series of nine double-hulled tankers for U.S. Shipping Partners began last month at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego, Calif., launching the second phase of a building spree for the company.

U.S. Shipping is also having four articulated tug-barge units built at U.S. shipyards. The first vessel in the series, Freeport/Chemical Transporter, has been delivered and is currently operating in the Jones Act trades.

American Maritime Officers represents the licensed officers working in the U.S. Shipping fleet.

U.S. Shipping placed the $1 billion order with NASSCO in August 2006 to build nine 600-foot double-hulled tankers with a cargo capacity of approximately 331,000 barrels each. The ships are designed to carry petroleum and chemical products in the Jones Act trades.

"As the leading builder of ocean-going Jones Act ships in the nation today, we are ready to build this ship," said Frederick Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. "We have taken a proven ship design and adapted it for efficient construction in this shipyard." NASCCO is scheduled to lay the keel for the first tanker in December and deliver the ship in early 2009. The first tanker will be named Golden State, honoring the state where it is being built and is expected to operate.

Military Sealift Command recently awarded U.S. Shipping Product Carriers LLC a fixed-price contract for the time charter of two new U.S.-flagged tankers. The chartered tankers from the series of new ships will transport petroleum products in support of U.S. military forces and will replace government-owned T-5 tankers, which are expected to reach the end of their service life in 2010.

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