Dalian New Shipyard (DNS) has christened and launched Xin Jin Yang, the first 298,000 dwt VLCC for China Shipping Group (CSG).
In an auspicious event where hundreds of ladies lined the dock side dressed in traditional Chinese costume, the launching ceremony itself was attended by the chairman of CSG, the vice president of China Shipbuilding Industry Corp. (CSIC), the president of China Classification Society (CCS) and the management of DNS.
From DNV, the yard site team was present including project manager Kent-Age Solem and team members Ma Yan, Zhao Chun Sheng, Han Guang Seng and Zhang Ru Guang. Kaveh Mansoorian was present at the ceremony to represent DNV's regional office.
During the course of events, the shipowner's management and on-site team extended their thanks to DNV for its support and professionalism during the project. Li Ke Jun, the president of CCS, proposed that DNV and CCS should take a picture together with the ship in the background. "This is the fruit of co-operation of DNV and CCS," he said.
Construction of VLCCs in China started at the DNS facility in 2000, with five ships for NITC to DNV class. This was later followed by two VLCCs at NACKS for COSCO with Dual Class between CCS and DNV. NACKS has also built a vessel for Sea fortune, although another contract was signed but construction has not as yet started (both to DNV class).
The latest orders for VLCCs are for a China Shipping Group project for two vessels with dual CCS and DNV class. These ships will have a deadweight of 298,000t, a length over all of 330m, a beam of 316m and will be powered by a MAN B&W S80MC rated at 34,650bhp at 79 rpm mcr.