Odfjell orders up to eight chemical tankers at Hudong Zhonghua
Norwegian company Odfjell has signed shipbuilding contracts with CSSC-affiliate Hudong Zhonghua yesterday for the construction of four 49,000dwt chemical tankers, with options to add an additional four.
Each vessel has a cargo capacity of 54,600 cbm, which makes them the world’s largest stainless steel chemical tankers. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in June 2019 and the following vessels with 3 months intervals. The price for each vessel is $60m.
The order is Hudong Zhonghua’s second order for chemical tankers, following an order for five 38,000dwt tankers from Stolt Nielsen in 2012.
“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,” commented Kristian Mørch, CEO of Odfjell.
In May, Odfjell cancelled two 17,000 cu m gas carriers on order at Nantong Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering.