Wuhu Shipyard Launches Two Types of Chemical Tankers on the Same Day

On the morning of October 29, 2025, Wuhu Shipyard held the launching ceremony for the No. 3 vessel of the 18,500-ton chemical tanker project built for British shipowner UNION MARITIME LIMITED.

This launch saw key core areas already ready for delivery, far surpassing the original schedule. Thanks to meticulous management and seamless collaboration, the superstructure compartments, ballast tank areas, and even parts of the engine room were nearly completed by the time the vessel was launched. Additionally, the ship's cargo holds had already undergone preliminary sandblasting. As a result, the ship achieved an exceptionally high launch score and level of integrity—setting a new company record for similar products—and establishing a benchmark for the completeness of future vessels in this class. This milestone lays a solid foundation for the project’s ultimate delivery, marking a significant leap forward in the construction capabilities of the 18,500-ton chemical tanker series.

Equipped with a team deeply committed to implementing the core "beat production" approach, we are fully executing the company's specialized improvement plan while continuously refining our process workflows. Boldly adopting advanced large-section assembly techniques and computer-aided simulation technologies, we’ve broken through barriers in precision control data. By meticulously simulating the construction and assembly of massive sections on computers, we’ve optimized material allowances in advance, enabling faster section assembly and more accurate positioning. On the main assembly platform, we’ve already completed extensive structural welding and outfitting tasks ahead of schedule, actively promoting parallel construction of various sections and ensuring seamless, orderly handovers among different disciplines. This approach has helped establish a stable production rhythm, maximizing outfitting integrity while significantly reducing the workload during later stages on the shipyard. Additionally, we’ve introduced standardized, modular lifting cages and specialized suspended support systems for anti-corrosion coatings, cutting down on scaffolding setup efforts. Meanwhile, we’ve integrated and optimized the piping systems surrounding the main engine, boosting component grouping efficiency and enhancing overall system cohesion. We are firmly committed to advancing the "first-time-right" production philosophy, effectively putting lean manufacturing management practices into action. This initiative is driving a transformative shift from traditional production management toward smarter, more refined operational strategies, showcasing our team’s exceptional ability to achieve seamless collaboration across every stage of shipbuilding—and our unwavering commitment to delivering projects with unmatched precision and reliability.

The successful launch of the No. 3 18,500-ton chemical tanker marks an outstanding achievement of Wuhu Shipyard's ongoing efforts to deepen lean management and drive innovation. The company will continue to thoroughly analyze and refine its experience gained from building this series of vessels, focusing on technological advancements and process optimization, while remaining fully committed to advancing the construction of subsequent ships to ensure high-quality, efficient delivery.

On the same day, the second 6,600-ton DC-electric propulsion duplex stainless steel chemical tanker—built for Norway's RFOcean company—was launched. On the morning of the 27th, the vessel was officially named in the presence of the shipowner, classification society representatives, and various partner organizations. Within just three days, the ship successfully completed two critical milestones, showcasing the construction team's outstanding organizational skills, seamless coordination, and unwavering determination to overcome challenges. Amidst the vibrant "100 Days of Intense Effort" atmosphere, all project personnel remained firmly focused on the goal, working closely together and bravely tackling every obstacle, ensuring smooth production processes and driving the project forward with remarkable efficiency—a true testament to their "accelerated pace."

As a technologically advanced 6,600-ton DC-electric propulsion dual-phase stainless steel chemical tanker, the rapid progress of the vessel No. 2 marks the growing maturity of this series in shipbuilding, further solidifying the builder's leading position in the high-end, eco-friendly vessel market. Its successful launching has laid a robust foundation for subsequent mooring trials and sea trials, while also providing strong assurance for delivering the vessel on schedule and to the highest quality standards.