CSSC Beihai Shipbuilding has recently signed a contract with South Korean shipowner Pan Ocean to build two additional 319,000-dwt very large crude carriers (VLCCs). Following a contract for a single VLCC signed in March of this year, this latest order marks a significant breakthrough in securing volume orders for Beihai Shipbuilding’s “Qimingxing” (Morning Star) series of VLCCs.
The VLCCs covered by this contract belong to the “Qimingxing” (Morning Star) series of liquid cargo vessels, independently developed and designed by Beihai Shipbuilding. The vessels have an overall length of 339.5 meters, a molded breadth of 60 meters, and a deadweight of 319,000 tonnes.
Equipped with high-efficiency energy-saving devices, the vessel design significantly enhances energy efficiency. It also incorporates an ammonia-ready design, allowing for the future installation of two 6,000-cubic-meter ammonia fuel tanks and offering potential for green, low-carbon upgrades. Furthermore, the design complies with the latest CSR, OCIMF, and oil major standards, demonstrating excellent versatility and market adaptability; all performance indicators meet IMO Tier III emission standards and the requirements for Phase III of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).
Currently, Pan Ocean has four 210,000-dwt Newcastlemax bulk carriers and one VLCC under construction at Beihai Shipbuilding. Contracts for all five vessels were signed earlier this year; the four bulk carriers are scheduled for delivery by the end of March 2031, while the VLCC is slated for delivery by the end of 2029.
With these latest orders, Pan Ocean has commissioned a total of seven new vessels from Beihai Shipbuilding this year, comprising four Newcastlemax bulk carriers and three VLCCs.
In related news, COSCO SHIPPING Development announced on the evening of June 30 that it would order two 210,000-dwt dry bulk carriers from Beihai Shipbuilding. The vessels are priced at 610 million yuan each, with staggered deliveries expected between November 2029 and June 2030.