Chinese shipyard delivers 300,000-tonne very large crude carrier
A China-built very large crude carrier (VLCC) was recently delivered in Dalian, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, showcasing advanced energy-saving and environmentally friendly technologies pioneered by China’s shipbuilding industry.
Innovative Design and Features
The VLCC, jointly constructed by the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) and China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. for a Norwegian shipowner, boasts an independent design by DSIC. This massive vessel spans approximately 333 meters in length, 60 meters in breadth, and 30 meters in depth, with a deck area exceeding 18,000 square meters and a total coating area of over 540,000 square meters.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Performance
Equipped with optimized hull lines and an exhaust gas desulfurization system, the VLCC significantly enhances overall energy efficiency and environmental performance. It is projected to save approximately 35 million yuan (about 5.15 million U.S. dollars) in fuel costs annually. Additionally, with a design draft of 20.5 meters, the vessel can transport more than 2 million barrels of crude oil while maneuvering effortlessly through the Strait of Malacca.
The delivery of this cutting-edge VLCC aligns with China’s ongoing efforts to elevate its shipbuilding industry to support sustained economic growth. Data from the Ministry of Natural Resources indicates robust growth in China’s shipbuilding sector during the first half of the year, with new shipbuilding orders, completed deliveries, and order backlog soaring by 105.2 percent, 34.8 percent, and 37.1 percent year on year, respectively. These impressive figures have propelled China to maintain a dominant global market share, positioning the country as a frontrunner in the maritime industry.