Recently, Wuhu Shipyard delivered two 18,500 DWT chemical tankers. On the first day, the vessel “FARRIE RUSS,” built for the British shipowner Union Maritime Limited, was delivered; the following day, the delivery of “WESTERN DAHLIA”—constructed for the Hong Kong-based shipowner EGPN—was formally signed off.
The 18,500 DWT chemical tanker “FARRIE RUSS” is the fourth vessel in the UML project; its sister ship, “FRANKIE RUSS,” was successfully delivered this past September.
The vessel “FARRIE RUSS” has an overall length of 149.8 meters, a length between perpendiculars of 145.3 meters, and a depth of 12.7 meters. It features a design speed of 14 knots and a liquid cargo capacity of 21,000 cubic meters, with 6 pairs of cargo tanks and their associated ballast tanks. The vessel is ice-classed (IB) and meets the requirements for unrestricted navigation, including compliance with regulations in the European Union, the United States, and other designated Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
This vessel excels in green energy efficiency. It features a controllable-pitch propeller (CPP) paired with a shaft generator system, complemented by an optimization system for propeller pitch and rotational speed; this allows the main engine to supply power during transit, effectively reducing fuel consumption.
The main engine is designed to be “methanol-ready” for future dual-fuel conversion, and an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system is installed to ensure compliance with IMO Tier III emission standards. The vessel is also equipped with a stern-mounted PSD (Propeller Boss Cap Fin) energy-saving device and includes a pre-installed foundation for rotor sails. Furthermore, the cargo hold bulkheads are coated with a high-end “Marine Line” protective system, offering excellent cargo compatibility. These multi-faceted, low-carbon design features create greater long-term operational value for the client.
The “WESTERN DAHLIA” is an 18,500 DWT high-end oil and chemical tanker. Aligned with global shipping trends toward decarbonization, increased efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, the vessel features a sophisticated, user-friendly, and energy-efficient engine room design that surpasses the typical configuration constraints for ships of this tonnage. With a heavy fuel oil capacity of 532 m³ and a diesel capacity of 219 m³—a combination that ranks among the best in its class—the vessel offers an exceptionally long operational range.
The vessel is powered by a state-of-the-art, electronically controlled, low-speed main engine—the MAN B&W 6S40ME-C9.5-HPSCR—equipped with an integrated high-pressure SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system. This configuration fully complies with the IMO Tier III international emission standard, the strictest maritime emission regulation, ensuring the vessel meets the requirements for navigation in all global Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
To address common industry challenges—such as cramped maintenance spaces, difficult operational procedures, low maintenance efficiency, and high labor costs—the vessel features an innovative, partially recessed engine room layout for the generator sets. This user-centric design effectively resolves the persistent issues typically found in vessels of similar tonnage, where equipment density severely restricts maintenance access and complicates tasks like cylinder overhauling.