Chem tanker newbuilds to be largest of their kind

NOVEMBER 2, 2016 — Bergen, Norway, based Odfjell has firmed up an earlier letter of intent and signed shipbuilding contracts with China Shipbuilding Trading and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) for four chemical tankers with stainless steel cargo tanks.

Odfjell says that, at 49,000 dwt, and with a cargo capacity of 54,600 cu.m, they will be the world’s largest stainless steel chemical tankers and represent a capital commitment of $60 million per vessel.

The first vessel is expected to be delivered in June 2019 with the other s following vessels at three-month intervals.

Odfjell says that the shipbuilder is regarded as having one of the very few shipyard facilities in China able to meet Odfjell’s quality standards for building such advanced chemical tankers and that it has secured various options for delivery of up to four additional vessels.

Kristian Mørch, CEO Odfjell SE, comments “we are very happy with the agreement we have signed today, which is a significant step in solving our tonnage replacement needs. The vessels will be the most efficient stainless steel chemical tankers available, and the vessels are designed to be good for the environment, good for our customers and a good investment for our shareholders.”