Reborn Chinese yard New Jiangzhou Shipbuilding has clinched its first foreign newbuilding order since relaunching last year.
The yard, formerly known as Jiangzhou Union Shipbuilding, is returning to the European chemical tanker market in a deal with inland-focused Dutch owner Mercurius Shipping for four duplex stainless steel ships.
The order for the 135-m-long vessels, classed by Lloyd’s Register, adds to six chemical tankers already booked by domestic shipowners last year, New Jiangzhou said without disclosing further details about the new deal.
The yard in Jiangxi, under its old name, had previously delivered fifteen 16,500 dwt chemical tankers for German owners Bernhard Schulte and Sloman Neptun before it suspended operations in 2018 due to financial difficulties and its operation was taken over by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding.Â
In March 2023, New Jiangzhou Shipbuilding was launched, backed by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding subsidiary Jiangsu Yangchuan Investment Development and Qinshi Group, a controlling parent of Bestway Marine & Energy Technology. First domestic orders were announced in December, including Alita (Shanghai) International Shipping for up to four 13,800 dwt chemical tankers, with deliveries starting in 2025.
