Richard Blaine News

National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) recently held a start-of-construction ceremony for NASSCO Hull 487, the fourth of four Alaska Class, double-hull oil tankers being constructed for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. BP's Site Team Member Richard Blaine activated a robotic welding machine and cut the first piece of steel for the new ship. "These double-hull tankers are among the most environmentally friendly ships ever built, incorporating the latest in tanker design and construction," said Richard Vortmann, president of NASSCO.

National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) recently held a start-of-construction ceremony for NASSCO Hull 487, the fourth of four Alaska Class, double-hull oil tankers being constructed for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. BP's Site Team Member Richard Blaine activated a robotic welding machine and cut the first piece of steel for the new ship. "These double-hull tankers are among the most environmentally friendly ships ever built, incorporating the latest in tanker design and construction," said Richard Vortmann, president of NASSCO. "They will provide BP with the best available technology to protect US waters." Vortmann said the design of the four 1.3-million-barrel-capacity tankers in the Alaska Class will allow maximum flexibility for oil deliveries to West Coast ports…