The Independence, a tanker built by California-based shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO, has set sail for sea trials and testing along the San Diego coastline. The gallery below shows the newbuild and its crew on the outskirts of this Californian city embarking on the voyage this Monday.

The Independence is the first in a series of ECO Class tankers being built for the SEA-Vista fleet and the vessel will be operated by Seabulk Tankers. While out to sea this week, crews will test a number of the vessel’s functions thus preparing the ship for its delivery.

Featuring a length of 185.9 meters, the vessel is an LNG-conversion-ready product tanker capable of carrying 330,000 barrels of cargo.

The construction of this 50,000 dwt vessel began in November 2014.

The Independence was launched in December 2015.

World Maritime News Staff; Image Courtesy: GD NASSCO