US shipyard General Dynamics NASSCO held a keel laying ceremony for the first ECO tanker for American Petroleum Tankers (APT) under construction at the company's yard in San Diego.

The ECO tanker is the first of a five-tanker contract between General Dynamics NASSCO and APT, which calls for the design and construction of five 50,000dwt, LNG-conversion-ready product Jones Act carriers. The 610-foot-long tankers will also be equipped with Ballast Water Treatment Systems.

The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) based in Busan, South Korea. The design incorporates a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form. The tankers will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system.

"NASSCO is pleased to continue our commitment as good environmental stewards by building the most energy-efficient tankers in the Jones Act fleet and in helping to sustain and grow highly-skilled jobs right here in San Diego," said Kevin Graney, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics NASSCO.

San Diego's First Lady Katherine Faulconer authenticated the keel of the first ECO tanker for APT by welding her initials onto a steel plate during the ceremony.