Recently, Shanghai has been experiencing persistent high temperatures, but this has not deterred the determined progress of the shipbuilders at Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding. The company successfully completed sea trials for two vessels: the 114,000-ton Aframax product tanker H1515, built for Greece’s Performance Shipping, and the first 9,000-car PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) H1603, constructed for Italy’s Grimaldi Group. Both ships have now safely berthed at the company’s dock. Li Zhizhong, Director of Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, along with leaders from various departments, warmly welcomed the triumphant return of the sea trial teams at the dock.
As the first Aframax product tanker in the series built by Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding for Performance Shipping, the H1515 project saw close collaboration across departments. Leveraging experience from similar vessel constructions and focusing on lean management, the team overcame challenges such as the rainy season to complete all construction tasks efficiently and on schedule, fully achieving the “ready-for-delivery” sea trial target. During the multi-day trials, the project team strictly followed the test outline, working around the clock to successfully complete strength tests for ballast tanks and cargo oil tanks, as well as performance evaluations for key equipment including the main engine, boiler, steering gear, generators, anchor windlass, scrubber system, and SCR system. All equipment met design specifications, earning high praise and full approval from the shipowner and classification society.
The H1603, Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding’s first 9,000-car PCTC, saw the project team organize extensive discussions with the shipowner and classification society before sea trials to align on plans, technical standards, and resource needs. During the trials, the team established specialized groups for safety, testing, technical support, and logistics, strictly adhering to trial procedures with clear role assignments. By dynamically adjusting test plans and efficiently scheduling tasks, the team completed the trials two days ahead of schedule, with all results unanimously approved by the shipowner and class society, marking a resounding success.
