On June 24, Hengli Heavy Industries held a naming ceremony for its first 306,000 dwt very large crude carrier (VLCC). The new vessel was named “ALIAKMON Ⅰ”, marking the official debut of the first VLCC built by Hengli Heavy Industries. Hengli Heavy Industries has achieved a breakthrough from “0” to “1” in the field of ultra-large shipbuilding.
It is understood that the first VLCC was independently developed and designed by Hengli Heavy Industries Ship Design and Research Center for the world-renowned shipowner Dynacom. It is 332.8 meters long, 60 meters wide, 30 meters deep with a speed of 14.5 knots. It is classified by Lloyd’s Register of Shipping and has the remarkable characteristics of high speed, light weight and low energy consumption.
The completion of the first VLCC demonstrates Hengli Heavy Industries’ speed and quality, and also accelerates the company’s pace towards becoming a “world-class” enterprise. Currently, various types of ultra-large ships represented by VLCC, VLAC, VLOC, as well as ultra-large container ships, Aframax tankers, 181,000 DWT bulk carriers and other types of vessels are being built at the shipyard.
Notably, as of now, Hengli Heavy Industries has commenced construction on over 60 vessels, with new shipbuilding orders extending through 2029. Upon full production capacity, Hengli Heavy Industries will be able to process 2.3 million tons of steel annually, build 150 ultra-large vessels, and produce 180 engines, with annual output exceeding 70 billion yuan and creating 50,000 new jobs. It will become the world’s largest single ship company base with the most comprehensive supporting facilities.
Previously, Hengli Heavy Industries has successfully delivered the first vessel after restarting its shipbuilding business, including the first 61,000 dwt bulk carrier, the first 82,000 dwt bulk carrier, and the first 181,000 dwt bulk carrier has also been launched from the slipway.