NYK orders innovative VLCC

Japanese shipping company NYK has decided to build a 300,000 DWT double-hull VLCC at IHI Marine United. This crude oil carrier will be 333m long and 60m wide with a delivery scheduled for December 2005.

With this newbuilding, NYK has started to adopt a double-hull fuel tank from a viewpoint of protecting the marine environment. The width between the outside hull and the inner wall of the fuel tank is 2 metres, the same as that for the cargo tanks. This is an important contract since it marks the first time that Japan has adopted such a hull design that gives top priority to environmental protection.

Upon its completion, this vessel is to be operated on a long-term contract with Kyushu Oil Corp.