On July 20, German tanker and dry bulk carrier operator John T. Essberger announced the exercise of an option with China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard to order two 7,900 DWT duplex stainless steel chemical tankers.
John T. Essberger previously signed a contract with China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard for the construction of 7,900 DWT duplex stainless steel chemical tankers, structured as a firm order for two vessels plus options for two additional pairs (2+2+2). The first two optional vessels have now been activated, bringing the total order to four vessels of the same type; deliveries are expected to commence in the second half of 2028.
Previously, in December 2025, John T. Essberger signed a contract with China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard for the construction of 2+2+2 7,900 DWT duplex stainless steel chemical tankers. The first two optional vessels under this contract have now been confirmed, bringing the total number of orders for this vessel type between the two parties to four. Delivery is expected to begin in the second half of 2028.
The 7,900 DWT chemical tanker has an overall length of 119.9 meters, a beam of 18 meters, and a maximum draft of 6.85 meters, with a deadweight of 7,900 metric tons. It meets the 1A ice class standard. Designed to the highest standards, the vessel is specifically tailored to meet the needs of chemical transportation along the European coastline and is customized to address evolving requirements.
With the activation of these options, John T. Essberger’s orderbook has expanded to eight vessels—comprising four 7,900 DWT units and four 13,800 DWT units—scheduled for delivery between mid-2027 and September 2029. The larger 13,800 DWT chemical tankers are being built by Nantong Rainbow Offshore & Engineering Equipment Co., Ltd. (ROC); orders for these were announced in September 2024 (two vessels) and March 2025 (two vessels, representing the first batch of options), while orders for two additional vessels of the same type remain pending.
According to information released by ROC, this type of chemical tanker was designed by Sweden’s FKAB. It has an overall length of 132 meters, a beam of 21.8 meters, a depth of 11.4 meters, and a design draft of 8.5 meters. It features a deadweight of 13,000 tonnes at the structural draft and a service speed of 12.5 knots. The vessel complies with Ice Class 1A and Tier III emission standards and incorporates a methanol-ready design.
John T. Essberger stated that these newbuilds are a key component of the company’s strategic fleet renewal plan, aimed at consolidating its leading position in the European chemical tanker market while maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability, environmental protection, and operational excellence.
According to its official website, John T. Essberger is a leading player in the European chemical tanker sector and also operates dry cargo shipping and ship management businesses.
John T. Essberger’s chemical tanker fleet is operated by E&S Tankers—a joint venture between the company and its partner, Stolt Tankers—which currently manages 46 stainless-steel chemical tankers ranging from 2,800 to 11,300 DWT; these vessels operate in European waters, with a particularly strong presence in the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean, and Northwest Europe.