On September 25, Danish shipowner and operator Uni-Tankers announced via social media that it had placed an order with the State-owned Haidong Shipyard for eight 7,600 DWT stainless steel chemical tankers. Delivery of the new vessels is expected to begin in 2028, marking the latest step in the company’s ongoing fleet renewal efforts.
These stainless-steel chemical tankers feature an energy-efficient design, with a gross tonnage of 4,998, 14 cargo tanks, and a cargo capacity of 8,310 cubic meters. They are classified by Bureau Veritas (BV) and will fly the Maltese flag. Upon delivery, these new vessels will gradually replace older vessels in Uni-Tankers’ fleet, while enhancing the company’s ability to provide higher-quality services to customers in its core markets.
It is worth noting that the eight 7,600 DWT stainless steel chemical tankers ordered by the state-owned Haidong Shipyard were not purchased directly by Uni-Tankers. Uni-Tankers explained: “The company has signed an agreement for the eight new vessels, which will be joined to the company’s fleet under time charter arrangements upon delivery.”
A Uni-Tankers spokesperson stated: “The signing of this new shipbuilding project marks a major milestone for us. Once these new vessels are delivered and join the fleet, they will advance the fleet’s modernization while enhancing the company’s ability to serve its global customers. The company looks forward to leveraging these new vessels to continue pursuing long-term growth, operational excellence, and responsible maritime transportation.”
The official website states that Uni-Tankers was founded in 1995. Its fleet currently consists of 41 vessels, including 14 owned vessels and 27 chartered vessels, with a maximum carrying capacity of 20,000 deadweight tons per vessel. The company is currently moving forward with a fleet renewal plan and intends to expand the size of its time-charter fleet. During the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the company sold three vessels and acquired one.
The state-owned Haidong Shipyard, which has been awarded this batch of stainless steel chemical tanker projects, is a state-owned shipbuilding enterprise founded in 1958. The shipyard is currently located in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, covering an area of 280 mu with a coastline of over 700 meters. It is equipped with six large shipbuilding slipways (the largest capable of handling 80,000 tons) and supporting block-building slipways; 12 large cranes (the largest with a capacity of 400 tons); a 10,000-ton outfitting dock; a 320-ton self-propelled flatbed truck; and a complete set of outer plate processing and plasma cutting equipment.
Currently, the State-owned Haidong Shipyard is dedicated to building oil tankers and chemical tankers (including stainless steel oil and chemical tankers) with high added value and advanced technology. It has delivered over 100 vessels to domestic and international shipowners, including oil and chemical tankers, container ships, bulk carriers, and engineering vessels.