Norwegian shipping and tank terminal company Odfjell held a naming ceremony for its next generation chemical tanker duo at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in China on July 1.
The ceremony marks a milestone in Odfjell’s most extensive fleet renewal program related to the four new 49,000 dwt stainless steel chemical tankers, out of a total order of six vessels. Other measures included pool cooperation, redelivery of older tonnage and chartering of new ships.
The first of the new chemical tankers is expected to enter the fleet in late July, with the next three being delivered successively at three-month intervals.
Following delivery to the fleet, these vessels will be the world’s largest stainless steel chemical tankers, according to Odfjell.
The company explained that the four newbuilds are tailor-made for its core objective – to transport and handle each of the unique chemicals in the safest, most efficient, eco-friendly way. Over the years, Odfjell has done extensive in-house research and made heavy investments to reduce emissions, resulting in a solid 30% increase in energy efficiency since 2009.
“We are very excited about this design, which will significantly lower our unit cost while at the same time reducing our environmental footprint,” Kristian Mørch, Odfjell CEO, said.
Very soon, we welcome the world's largest and most advanced stainless steel #chemicaltankers to our fleet. Coming Monday, a new milestone is reached when the first two of our 49,000 dwt newbuilds are officially named. Preparations are on track: pic.twitter.com/YOUEtJ8xfu
— Odfjell (@Odfjell_SE) June 27, 2019