On June 2, China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, together with China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. (CSTC) signed a contract with South Korea’s Heung-A Shipping in Wuhan for 3+3 26,000 DWT stainless steel chemical tankers.
The signing of this contract for the 26,000 DWT stainless steel chemical tanker marks a milestone for Wuchang Shipbuilding in the high-end liquid cargo ship sector. It is the first time in China that a vessel of this series has achieved 100% independent design, optimization, and R&D, signifying full autonomy and control across the entire process—from design origins and technical approaches to engineering implementation. In the high-end liquid cargo ship sector, Wuchang Shipbuilding has made a crucial leap from “building to specifications” to “independent design.”
This vessel is a flagship product in the high-end liquid cargo ship segment, independently developed by Wuchang Shipbuilding. Measuring 158.98 meters in length, 26.80 meters in beam, and 14.20 meters in draft, the vessel is classed by the Korean Register of Shipping (KR). It is equipped with a MAN 5S50MEC9.7HPSCR main engine, has a design speed of 14 knots, and meets EEDI Phase 3 requirements. The main engine and generator sets are fully equipped with SCR systems, ensuring emissions comply with IMO Tier III standards, thereby supporting the green transition of the shipping industry.
The main engine of this vessel type achieves a 5% reduction in fuel consumption, effectively lowering fuel costs and carbon emissions during navigation. With a 1% increase in cargo capacity, it can transport a wider range of high-density chemicals, further enhancing market adaptability and operational efficiency; Tank cleaning efficiency has improved by 25%, and ballast water management is now more responsive, effectively shortening port call times and improving vessel turnaround efficiency; the hull’s corrosion resistance has been significantly enhanced, extending its service life; anti-piracy facilities and the shipwide CCTV surveillance system have been upgraded simultaneously, strengthening safety during navigation and operations.
Wuchang Shipbuilding stated that upon completion, this new shipbuilding project will significantly enhance Heung-A Shipping’s core competitiveness in the international high-end chemical tanker market, while also helping Wuchang Shipbuilding further consolidate its leading position in the small- and medium-sized chemical tanker sector and expand into high-end overseas markets.
It is reported that Heung-A Shipping has been dedicated to the shipping industry for 65 years and is a leading company in South Korea’s chemical and container shipping sectors.
Wuchang Shipbuilding is a key player in China’s shipbuilding industry and has established four core product lines: small and medium-sized chemical tankers, feeder container ships, offshore engineering vessels, and multi-purpose vessels. Previously, Wuchang Shipbuilding successfully collaborated with the Korean Register of Shipping on 17 vessels.