The following is the text of a news release from General Dynamics NASSCO:
(SAN DIEGO) — On Saturday, General Dynamics NASSCO christened and launched Palmetto State, the final ship in an eight-ship ECO-class tanker program to be constructed at NASSCO.
Rep. Susan Davis served as the principal speaker for the event. As the ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Linda Rankine christened the ship with the traditional break of a champagne bottle on the ship’s hull. She is the wife of Bill Rankine, manager of marine chartering and operations for CITGO. Thousands of shipbuilders, their family and friends, and members of the community attended the celebration.
Palmetto State, built for American Petroleum Tankers, is the eighth vessel in a program for APT and SEA-Vista LLC. A product of advanced technology, innovation, and strong manufacturing, Palmetto State and its sister ships have earned the title as the most fuel-efficient tankers to service the Jones Act trade. With their ECO design, the tankers offer 33 percent increased fuel efficiency and cleaner shipping options.
Click here to view a video of the event.
