China: Jinhai Heavy Lays Keel for The First 320.000 DWT VLCC

On Dec.28, the docking ceremony of the first 320,000 DWT VLCC was held in Dock 5 of Jinhai Heavy Industry, attended by over 100 guests from ship owner, classification society, staff representatives and the media, which refreshed the tonnage record of shipbuilding in Zhejiang Province for its biggest tonnage of crude oil tankers at home.

This VLCC which has been classified by DNV will be built by Jinhai Heavy Industry, with 333m of overall length, 60m of breadth, and 20.50m of designed draft. The company will comprehensively enhance the quality by improving design and R&D, productive technology, construction standard. This kind of ships has made great breakthrough in fuel consumption, configuration, standard and regulation, and good performance of economy, environmental protection and energy saving. Compared with the workmanship of 176,000 DWT bulk carrier, the technical requirements for the 20m of large block’s material, construction and designed drawing have been significantly enhanced.

According to the introduction from the managerial staff, they will aim at integrating blocks, outfitting and painting, and accuracy shipbuilding during the erection. In order to ensure the products fully meeting the demand of PSPC standard, they will implement the production management mode which considering the hull as the basis, outfitting as the center, and painting as the core.

In the shipbuilding downturns, Jinhai Heavy Industry has recently devoted great efforts to the innovation, R&D, and launched several new types of ships such as bulk carriers of 57,000 DWT, 64,000 DWT, 76,000 DWT and 180,000 DWT, as well as 2000 TEU container with good performance of flexibility, fitness of good and popularity. While the R&D and construction of 320,000 DWT VLCC highlights the comprehensive strength of the enterprise.

It is reported that Jinhai Heavy Industry has received seven hand-hold orders of 320,000 DWT VLCC, four of which has started the steel cutting. Moreover, J0025 will be planned to be delivered in the second half of 2012.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, January 16, 2012; Image: jhzgchina