At 08:58 on May 8, the 6th 50,000 DWT MR series /chemical tanker (CHB5014) built by Zhoushan Changhong International for Greek shipowner HORIZON TANKERS successfully achieved keel laying, marking the official entry of the vessel into the block assembly and erection stage.
The 50,000 DWT MR /chemical tanker is a mature ship type developed by Changhong International, featuring good cargo adaptability, economy, and environmental performance. The series vessels have an overall length of approximately 182.95 meters, a molded breadth of 32.2 meters, and a molded depth of 19.1 meters, classed with Lloyd’s Register (LR). As the ship type with the highest proportion in the oil tanker fleet, the market supply and demand for MR tankers have a critical impact on the overall oil tanker transportation market, with broad prospects. In terms of design and technology, the series incorporates multiple energy-saving and environmental innovations. The vessels are equipped with a combined energy-saving device of propeller cap fins and energy-saving duct specially designed by Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute (SDARI) for this MR /chemical tanker type, effectively reducing main engine energy consumption, improving propulsion efficiency, further lowering fuel consumption, while meeting the latest effective rule requirements and EEDI Phase III standards. In addition, the vessels are configured with a new tank washing water system, facilitating the shipowner’s treatment of tank washing water in restricted areas; the cargo oil system adopts a flexible and efficient loading design, capable of loading 7 types of cargo simultaneously, significantly enhancing market adaptability and competitiveness.
During the construction process, the Changhong International shipbuilding team, focusing on the personalized requirements of different shipowners, maintained close communication with shipowners and classification surveyors, continuously optimized the design scheme, improved lean management levels, and gradually overcame technical difficulties in tanker construction, laying a solid foundation for the smooth progress of the series vessels and subsequent high-quality delivery.
