On 12 August 2016 Crowley Maritime Corp. took delivery of West Virginia, the fourth new, Jones Act product tanker built for the company by Philly Shipyard, Inc (PSI), the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA. West Virginia was named on 16 August at a ceremony at Philly Shipyard.
West Virginia is LNG ready, meaning she can be converted for propulsion by liquefied natural gas (LNG). She joins sisterships Louisiana, Ohio and Texas, which were received by Crowley in 2015 and 2016 as the first ever tankers to receive the American Bureau of Shipping’s (ABS) LNG-Ready Level 1 approval.
Like her sister ships, West Virginia is 50,000dwt and capable of carrying 330,000 barrels of product. The new tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design that incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability and the latest regulatory requirements.
The vessel measures 600ft in length and is capable of carrying crude oil or refined petroleum products, as well as various chemical cargoes. Marathon Petroleum Corporation is the charterer.
“The delivery of the West Virginia represents our total commitment at Crowley to providing the best performance for our customers with efficiency and innovative solutions,” said Crowley’s Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum services.
“The completion of West Virginia and its sister ships demonstrates our belief in the Jones Act trade, and our commitment to supporting our economy through U.S. shipbuilding and crewing. We congratulate Philly Shipyard for reaching this milestone, as well as the dedicated, hard-working men and women who build and crew these ships.”
Crowley’s marine solutions group provided construction management services for the product tankers. The company has an on-site office and personnel at the Philadelphia shipyard to ensure strong working relationships with shipyard staff and a seamless construction and delivery program.
Anne Swearingen, wife of John Swearingen, senior vice president, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, performed the christening by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne across West Virginia’s hull.
