Essberger orders FKAB’s eco-designed chemical tankers
Impression of the ice-classed chemical tankers with 16 stainless steel tanks (Source: FKAB)
German shipping group John T. Essberger has signed final agreements with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Dingheng to build four 6,600dwt parcel chemical tankers with dual-fuel propulsion. The contract includes options for an additional four vessels.
Udevall-based FKAB was appointed as owners designer from the first concept to the final product. The stainless-steel tankers of IMO Type II will all have dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion and certified Finnish/Swedish 1A ice class. The new vessels will be optimised in terms of hull design and equipment, resulting in a significantly improved energy efficiency and the ability to use shore power connection during cargo operations. The newbuildings are expected to be delivered from mid-2023.
They will be operated by E&S Tankers, a joint venture between Essberger and Stolt Tankers, and are part of a fleet renewal programme, which aims to demonstrate commitment to the European short-sea chemical market. The newbuilding project is being subsidised by the German Federal Ministry of Transport as part of the implementation of the German Government's Mobility and Fuel Strategy (MKS) with a total of 1.58 million euros per vessel.
