On March 3, Beihai Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), held a naming ceremony for the third 319,000 DWT ammonia-ready Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) built for EURONAV, a subsidiary of the Belgian CMB.TECH Group. The “Menapii” will be delivered nine months ahead of schedule, setting a new construction record for the series.
Classed by ABS, the vessel is 339.5 meters long, 60 meters wide, and has a design speed of 14.5 knots.
From “a breakthrough in single-vessel construction” to “continuous vessel delivery”, Beihai Shipbuilding has been committed to a data-driven approach: the vessel achieved a launch completeness rate of 92.5%, meeting the high-quality launch target; an innovative pre-commissioning mode for the accommodation superstructure was adopted, cutting the docking period by 20 days compared with the previous vessel; the underwater commissioning cycle was shortened by 23 days versus prior builds; and all sea trial items were completed within 7 days. These impressive figures not only demonstrate the results of Beihai Shipbuilding’s process optimization but also signify the maturity of its VLCC mass production capabilities.
The successful naming of this vessel further solidifies the strategic partnership between the two parties and lays a solid foundation for deepening mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and opening up new horizons in the future. Beihai Shipbuilding will remain committed to high-quality development, deeply cultivate the field of green and intelligent ships, tackle core technologies, improve management efficiency, contribute to the national “dual-carbon” strategy and the construction of a maritime power, and work hand in hand with CMB.TECH and its global partners to achieve a win-win future.