Magnolia State and the other ECO-class tankers built by NASSCO carry the PMA+ notation from the American Bureau of Shipping, recognizing the advanced ergonomic design — and improved safety — of access points to tanks and holds.
The ABS guidelines cover everything from hatch width to the design of handrails, steps and ladders. Having the notation benefits anyone who has to descend into a void for inspection or maintenance.
“These ships are the first in the U.S. that I’m aware of, definitely the first Jones Act ships, where we have the PMA+ notation,” said Parker Larson, NASSCO’s director of commercial programs. “It’s something that was driven by the owners and then we collaborated with ABS to achieve it.”