Recently, CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry and the Belgian oil tanker giant EURONAV successfully signed the first 319,000 dwt VLCC construction project. BSIC also successfully entered the VLCC market with this new order.
 
On 16 August 2023, Euronav announced an agreement to purchase one VLCC new build including the option for a second VLCC new build to be lifted in the coming 2 months. The purchase will cost USD 112.2 million with highly favourable payment terms and schedule. The vessel is expected to be delivered in Q3 2026.
 
The VLCC ship signed this time has a total length of 339.50 meters, a molded width of 60.00 meters, a molded depth of 30.30 meters, a structural draft of 22.50 meters, and a speed of 14.5 knots. It meets the requirements of IMO's TIER III emission standards and EEDI Phase III. In the future, two 6000 m3 ammonia fuel tanks can be installed to achieve "zero carbon" operation.
 
The successful signing of BSIC and EURONAV on the VLCC new shipbuilding project will lay the foundation for both parties to deepen strategic cooperation and achieve win-win development.
 
By Xinde Marine News Sarah Yu

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.