American Petroleum Tankers launches Jones Act product tanker

Philly Shipyard (PSI), formerly known as Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, has delivered the American Liberty, the third of four next generation 50,000DWT product tankers that it is building for American Petroleum Tankers (APT), a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan.

This delivery is the 27th vessel built by PSI. The next generation 50,000DWT product tanker is based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design that also incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability, and the latest regulatory requirements. The vessel has also received LNG Ready Level 1 approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The 180-metre tanker has a carrying capacity of 55 million litres of crude oil or refined products.

Currently, the shipyard has one additional 50,000DWT tanker for APT and two 3,600TEU containerships for Matson Navigation Company under construction.  In addition, Philly Shipyard has initiated construction of up to four 3,700TEU containerships for its own account and reports it has signed a letter of intent with “a leading Jones Act operator” concerning a firm order for the first pair of these vessels with options for the second pair of these vessels.