China has successfully delivered its first indigenously developed 115,000-deadweight-ton (DWT) oil tanker to its user. This significant milestone marks a leap in the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities, with key components like the ship’s engine now being domestically produced.
Domestic Innovation in Shipbuilding
The newly delivered tanker boasts a total length of 249.8 meters and a beam of 44 meters. It has an impressive carrying capacity of 115,000 tons, capable of transporting approximately 830,000 barrels of refined oil in a single voyage. Its design ensures strong port adaptability, allowing it to dock at most major oil ports worldwide and serve international energy trade routes.
Advanced Technology and Environmental Standards
A key highlight of this vessel is the localization of its core equipment, including the engine. Combined with a high-efficiency propeller and energy-saving devices, the tanker significantly reduces fuel consumption during navigation. Furthermore, it is equipped with advanced desulfurization and denitrification systems, substantially cutting emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. This ensures compliance with the latest environmental emission standards set by the International Maritime Organization. The tanker’s cargo capacity, speed, and fuel efficiency all meet international advanced levels.
China’s Shipbuilding Industry Surges
This delivery comes at a time when China’s shipbuilding industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. In the first half of 2023, the country achieved record highs in shipbuilding completion volume, new orders, and hand-held orders.
- Shipbuilding Completion Volume: Reached 36.5 million DWT, a 51.2% year-on-year increase.
- Hand-held Orders: Stood at 363.25 million DWT, up 54.9% year-on-year, indicating long-term industry stability.
- New Orders: A remarkable 121.06 million DWT, a 173.1% surge year-on-year, surpassing previous annual peaks.
In the international market, China’s dominance is clear. During the first half of the year, the nation’s share of global shipbuilding completion volume, new orders, and hand-held orders were 62.2%, 82.3%, and 71.2%, respectively. Notably, China secured over 80% of the international market share for new orders across the three major vessel types: bulk carriers, container ships, and oil tankers.
