On June 3, Xingtong Shipping signed shipbuilding contracts for four 13,000 dwt stainless steel chemical tankers with three Chinese yards: Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding, Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding and New Jiangzhou Shipbuilding.

The four vessels are expected to be delivered from late 2027 to the first half of 2028.

Each tanker will be 133.3 metres long, 21.5 metres wide, with a total cargo capacity of about 15,300 cbm. The vessels will be capable of carrying IMO Type II and III chemicals, adopt a single-tank / single-pump / single-line design, meet Tier III emission requirements, and be classed by CCS with an additional cyber security notation.

This contract marks the formal execution of Xingtong’s previously announced investment plan of up to RMB 732 million for four 13,000 dwt stainless steel chemical tankers.

The timing is also significant. Xingtong recently took delivery of XT WALRUS, a 25,900 dwt stainless steel chemical tanker, further strengthening its high-end chemical tanker fleet.

With the 25,900 dwt series providing larger deep-sea capability and the 13,000 dwt series adding flexibility for regional, multi-port and multi-cargo operations, Xingtong is building a more balanced fleet structure for international chemical shipping.

The move also reflects the company’s “1+2+1” strategy: strengthening its core domestic liquid hazardous cargo business, expanding into new energy transportation and international shipping, and supporting growth through digital platforms.

As global chemical shipping faces stricter environmental rules, ageing tonnage and rising customer requirements, younger, stainless steel, greener and smarter chemical tankers are becoming increasingly important.

For Xingtong, this is not only a fleet renewal move. It is another step toward becoming a more international, higher-end chemical shipping player.