https://www.imarinenews.com/18622.html

Wuhu Shipyard, a century-old Chinese shipbuilder, has solidified its position in the global market with new orders for chemical and product tankers. On January 9, Yingxing Finance Leasing (Anhui) partnered with British shipowner RFOcean to commission a 6,600 DWT stainless steel chemical tanker. This order builds on a long-standing collaboration between RFOcean and Wuhu Shipyard.

In July 2023, RFOcean initially contracted Wuhu Shipyard to construct four 6,600 DWT methanol dual-fuel vessels. Additional orders for three more vessels, with hull numbers W2345, W2346, and W2347, followed. Including the latest contract, RFOcean’s orders now total eight advanced chemical tankers, valued at $160 million. Construction of the sixth vessel (W2346) commenced on January 9, highlighting the shipyard’s capability for efficient batch production.

These vessels incorporate cutting-edge technology, featuring DC electric-powered duplex stainless steel construction, methanol and diesel fuel compatibility, and intelligent systems for enhanced efficiency. Each tanker measures 113.6 meters in length and includes innovative features such as bow-side thrusters and hydraulic cranes.

Separately, Union Maritime, another British shipowner, has commissioned two 50,000 DWT product tankers from Wuhu Shipyard. Scheduled for delivery in November 2027 and February 2028, these orders mark further growth for the shipyard in global markets.

https://www.imarinenews.com/18474.html

Union Maritime, a British tanker and bulk carrier owner, is expanding its fleet with an order for four handysize product tankers. The company has signed a contract with the newly restructured Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co. (DSOC) for the construction of 23,500 DWT vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2026.

This project is a milestone for DSOC, representing its first ocean-going merchant vessel initiative following its successful restructuring, apart from liquefied carbon dioxide carriers.Union Maritime’s fleet currently consists of 66 vessels, including 51 tankers and chemical tankers (ranging between 12,000 and 105,000 DWT), 12 bulk carriers (ranging from 33,000 to 201,000 DWT), and three offshore vessels.

https://maritime-executive.com/article/union-maritime-adds-wind-assisted-propulsion-to-new-lr2-tankers

Union Maritime Adds Wind-Assisted Propulsion to New LR2 Tankers

Union Maritime, a UK-based shipping company, is pioneering the use of wind-assisted technology in the larger tanker sector by ordering the installation of rigid wing sails on two of its new LR2 tankers. This move places Union Maritime at the forefront of efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry.

The LR2 tankers, currently under construction at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard in China, will each be equipped with three WindWings developed by BAR Technologies. These sails are expected to make the tankers among the "greenest and most efficient" in the industry, with potential fuel and CO2 savings of up to 1.5 tonnes and 5 tonnes per wing per day, respectively, on typical global routes.

Scheduled for delivery in July and November 2025, the LR2 tankers are part of Union Maritime's shipbuilding program, which includes a total of six LR2 tankers and two MRs (49,000 dwt). BAR's WindWings will operate in conjunction with a route optimization system to adjust the sails based on wind conditions, vessel speed, and course, without compromising speed.

The move towards wind-assisted propulsion reflects the shipping industry's increasing focus on adopting technologies to reduce emissions. Companies are exploring various options, including route optimization, retrofitting ships with new technologies, and now, wind-assisted propulsion.

 

BAR's previous installations of rigid sails on bulkers Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus, along with its partnership with CM Energy Tech, indicate a growing trend towards integrating wind-assisted propulsion into the maritime sector. With Union Maritime leading the charge, the industry may see further advancements in sustainable shipping practices in the near future.