The first two diamond design vessels, the Graiglas and Florence, have left the Vietnamese yards and taken on their first cargo.
These vessels represent a further development and refinement of the Diamond design. Their double hull concept means easy discharging and cargo-hold cleaning, as well as a strong and robust hull structure and good environmental protection, with all bunker tanks coffered from the ships’ sides and strong focus on operational efficiency.
Not only these two vessels but also the long series that Graig Shipping has ordered from the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (Vinashin) provided the catalyst for the enormous growth within the Vietnamese shipbuilding industry.
“DNV has worked together with the yards and owner to ensure quality in all parts –when it comes to both the actual vessels and the yards’ management systems, etc,” says Ragnar Hansen, regional manager DNV Maritime South East Asia and Australia
The number of vessels to be delivered from Vinashin to Graig will now increase significantly since the first contract was signed back in 2004. The two 54,000-dwt ultra-handymax vessels have recently been delivered simultaneously from Nam Trieu shipyard in Hai Phong and from Hai Long shipyard – both in the northern part of Vietnam.
Contracts for 27 more 53,000 dwt ships have been confirmed, in addition to eight more options for similar vessels. Contracts for 10 more 34,000 dwt vessels of a similar design have also been confirmed, while there are four more options for this size.
“Vietnam aims to be the fourth largest shipbuilding nation globally. DNV, Vinashin and Graig have had a fruitful collaboration from the very beginning and this is continuing,” says Ragnar Hansen.
DNV currently has a more than 70% share of the Vietnamese orderbook.