On January 5, Beihai Shipbuilding, in collaboration with China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd (CSTC), signed a contract with Greek shipowner Cape Shipping via video conference for the construction of 1+1 very large crude carriers (VLCCs). This signing marks Beihai Shipbuilding’s consecutive batch orders in the large oil tanker sector.
The VLCCs contracted under this agreement are part of the “Morning Star” series of liquid cargo carriers independently developed and designed by Beihai Shipbuilding. With an overall length of 339.5 meters, a beam of 60 meters, and a deadweight tonnage of 319,000 tons, these vessels feature energy-saving equipment to enhance operational efficiency.
Featuring an ammonia-ready design, the vessel can be equipped with two 6,000 m³ ammonia fuel tanks in the future, enabling zero-carbon green operations throughout its entire voyage. This ship type meets the latest CSR, OCIMF, and oil company standards, offering outstanding versatility. It complies with the International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emission standards and the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase III requirements.
It is reported that Beihai Shipbuilding successfully delivered the first VLCC built for Belgian shipowner CMB.TECH on November 10, 2025, seven months ahead of schedule. This achievement fully demonstrates Beihai Shipbuilding’s strong capabilities in constructing large oil tankers.
Currently, Beihai Shipbuilding has completed its portfolio of mainstream oil tankers, including MR product tankers, LR2 product tankers, and very large crude carriers (VLCCs). This demonstrates the company’s comprehensive capabilities and market competitiveness in the design and construction of medium-to-large oil tankers, laying a solid foundation for further expansion into the high-end oil tanker market.