Korea?s first VLCC built to new CSR

Antwerp-based Euronav NV has taken delivery of the first VLCC built to the industry?s new Common Structural Rules (CSR) by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Korea.

The 318,000 dwt Olympia, constructed to Lloyd?s Register class, is the first of two sister-ships being built by Euronav at HHI to advanced environmental protection and safety standards for deployment in the demanding oil transportation industry.

“As the first VLCC built in Korea to CSR, Olympia is a milestone in the drive towards the construction of ever-safer tankers,” says Marinos Syrigos, Site Manager for Euronav Ship Management (Hellas) Ltd. “We are certainly proud of having undertaken a key role – together with Lloyd?s Register and Hyundai – in such an important project.”

Euronav?s management have committed to maintaining ‘green passports’ for Olympia and her sistership, Antarctica, assuring that the materials used and installed on the vessels during the owner?s possession are recorded, demonstrating their commitment to the environment. This record is ultimately critical to the safe scrapping of the vessels at the end of their trading lives.

They have also selected a higher standard of bridge layout and visibility and achieved the requirements of NAV1 notation from Lloyd’s Register to improve the safe operation of the vessel, choosing advanced technical features which are expected to prove particularly valuable in the increasingly congested waters of the world?s major trade lanes.

The new Common Structural Rules, released in 2006 after development by the major classification societies in consultation with the industry?s leading ship owners, builders and design houses, have triggered a wave of new designs from the world?s shipyards. The Olympia has a length of 319 metres, a breadth of 60 metres and a moulded depth of 27.8 metres, with engine power of 29,340 kW.