SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Construction is now underway on a second eco-tanker ship at NASSCO's Barrio Logan shipyard.
A steel cutting ceremony was held Thursday for the tanker built for American Petroleum Tankers. The two companies are teaming up to design, build and operate innovative and increased energy-efficient and fuel-saving products.
Congressman Scott Peters was there to help cut the first piece of steel. He also explained what this tanker means for the local company.
"This ship is part of a five tanker contract that will sustain NASSCO's nearly 3,200 jobs and will add 300 jobs in the near future," Peters said.
The new construction and operation of the new vessels are aligned with the Jones Act, which requires ships carrying cargo between U.S. ports to be built, crewed and owned in the U.S.