The following is the text of a news release from Philly Shipyard Inc.:
(PHILADELPHIA) — Philly Shipyard Inc., the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA, held a ceremonial keel laying for the first product tanker in a four-vessel order for American Petroleum Tankers (APT), a Kinder Morgan Inc. subsidiary. When completed at the end of this year, the vessel will be 600 feet long and capable of carrying 50,000 tons of crude oil or refined petroleum products.
Keeping with long-held shipbuilding tradition, coins were placed on one of the keel blocks before the 650-ton unit was lowered into place in the dry dock. Representatives and guests from Philly Shipyard, Kinder Morgan and the United States Coast Guard were in attendance to place the coins as a sign of good fortune and safe travels. Philly Shipyard representatives included the most recent recipients of the company’s Safety Team of the Quarter Award, who were recognized for exemplifying safe operation during the fourth quarter of 2015.
Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard’s president and CEO, said, “Today marks our 25th keel-laying celebration and I couldn’t be more proud of the 1,200 men and women of Philly Shipyard for their unyielding pride and passion that continues to bring all of our vessels to life.”
“This is an exciting day for Kinder Morgan. We look forward to taking delivery of this state-of-the-art vessel at the end of 2016,” said Robert Kurz, vice president of Kinder Morgan Terminals and president of APT.
The Tier 2 50,000-deadweight-ton (dwt) product tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design which incorporates numerous fuel-efficiency features, flexible cargo capability and the latest regulatory requirements. The vessels will be constructed with consideration for the use of LNG for propulsion in the future.
Philly Shipyard has delivered 22 ships in its 17-year history. The four product tankers for APT are currently under construction and have planned deliveries in 2016 and 2017. Also under construction at the shipyard are two 50,000-dwt product tankers for Crowley Maritime Corp. with planned deliveries during 2016 and two 3,600-TEU containerships for Matson Navigation Co. Inc. with planned deliveries in 2018. For more information on the shipyard and its projects, visit www.phillyshipyard.com.
