On November 20, two 50,000 DWT methanol dual-fuel chemical/product tankers built by CSSC Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in collaboration with China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. (CSTC) for Vietnam’s Asia Pacific Shipping (ASP) were named on the same day.
The two new vessels are named “ASP Rainbow” and “ASP Sunshine” respectively. The first vessel has been signed and delivered, and the second vessel is scheduled to be delivered in early 2026.
This type of vessel is the 15th generation MR product developed by GSI based on its previous design and construction experience in the field of methanol dual-fuel tankers. Its Energy Efficiency Index (EEDI) meets the requirements of the International Maritime Organization Phase III, reducing carbon emissions by more than 17% compared to similar vessel types. The vessel is 182.99 meters long and 32 meters wide, equipped with a methanol dual-fuel propulsion system, making it a green vessel that combines energy saving, environmental protection, and high efficiency.
It is reported that ASP’s 50,000 DWT methanol dual-fuel chemical/product tanker project, comprising two vessels, held a signing ceremony in Greece in June 2024. This project set two “fastest records”: only two weeks from initial contact to signing, and just over four months from signing to commencement of construction.
Since construction began, GSI has worked closely with the shipowner and classification society to implement the “lean management” concept throughout the entire production process. This has fully demonstrated GSI’s efficient organization and lean management capabilities in the field of MR tanker construction, successfully overcoming the challenges of building two vessels in parallel on the platform line and achieving continuous acceleration and efficiency in shipbuilding.