According to sources, a Chinese carrier has placed an order for the world’s first methanol-powered supertanker. Even though information about the carrier has not been disclosed, the renowned Chinese shipyard, Hengli Heavy Industry, is set to embark on its maiden journey into the supertanker construction sector. The shipyard, previously known as STX Dalian Shipbuilding, has rebranded itself and is now the third Chinese company to be included in the prestigious list of Chinese Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) shipyards.
Hengli Heavy Industry’s pursuit of supertanker construction represents a noteworthy development in China’s expanding maritime sector but also further enhance China’s influence on the global maritime stage.
Sources: TradeWinds, ShippingWatch