US shipyard General Dynamics NASSCO cut the first piece of steel for the second of three 50,000dwt, LNG-ready, Jones Act product tankers for SEA-Vista Newbuild III LLC, at its shipyard in San Diego.

These new 610-foot-long tankers have a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity, and are a continuation of the ECO MR Tanker design, which includes a Ballast Water Treatment System.

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

DSEC's ECO design achieves 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.

"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."