Odfjell names world’s largest chemical tankers
Odfjell has reached a milestone is reached in its history as the company officially names its next generation of chemical tankers today, July 1st.
When the ships are delivered to the fleet, these vessels will be the world’s largest stainless steel chemical tankers, taking Odfjell to a new level of capacity, efficiency, and eco-friendly operations.
Odfjell has undertaken a major fleet renewal programme through measures such as pool cooperation, redelivery of older tonnage and chartering of new ships, and today, a historic marker for the most extensive project of them all: four new 49,000 dwt stainless steel chemical tankers, out of a total order of six vessels. The vessels have a cargo capacity of 54,600 cbm.
“Our renewal initiatives and investments ensure that we have an optimal fleet composition, equipped to meet our customers’ needs in coming years – safely and efficiently. We are very excited about this design, which will significantly lower our unit cost while at the same time reducing our environmental footprint”, said Kristian Mørch, CEO.
At any given time, Odfjell has a versatile fleet composed of about 80 chemical tankers trading around the world. These ships carry some 600 different chemicals and liquids which are used to produce a multitude of products we depend on in our everyday life; from phones and PC’s to medicines, fabrics and cooking oil.
The four newbuilds are tailor-made for Odfjell’s core objective: to transport and handle each of these unique chemicals in the safest, most efficient, eco-friendly way. Over the years, Odfjell has done extensive in-house research and made heavy investments to reduce emissions, resulting in a solid 30 percent increase in energy efficiency since 2009.
The first of the new chemical tankers is expected to enter the fleet in late July, with the next three being delivered successively at three-month intervals.
When all renewal initiatives are implemented, Odfjell will boast one of the world’s most eco-friendly and modern fleets, spearheaded by these four new, highly advanced ships.
The names of the four newbuildings were decided through a company naming competition where Odfjell colleagues from terminals, vessels, and offices all around the world entered their naming ideas. The final votes put Chief Officer Ralph H. Tolentino’s entries on top, and today he can see it come to life when the vessels are officially named: Bow Orion and Bow Olympus.
“I chose the names because it starts with the letter “O” (Odfjell). The words define greatness, most effective, extreme and the best of their kind,” Ralph H. Tolentino, Chief Officer.
“These names are a tribute to Odfjell’s global presence, our long travels, our expertise, service and safety levels, and signify a connection between history and future ambitions. As Odfjell’ers have done for 104 years running, we will continue to explore and excel in coming years,” commented Kristian Mørch, CEO.
For more information visit www.odfjell.com
1st July 2019
