China’s largest domestic built VLCC set for maiden voyage

China’s largest domestically built VLCC,

Xin Buyang

, will embark on its maiden voyage from Guangzhou Zhongchuan Longxue Shipbuilding, part of the state-owned CSSC group, later this month heading for the Middle East.

The 308,000 DWT crude oil carrier, designed and built in China, measures 333 metres long and is fitted with the latest navigation and control systems allowing the vessel to be operated with a high degree of automation. In response to the growing threat of piracy, the newbuilding is equipped with high-pressure water cannons to fend off marauding attackers. It also has an alarm system that will immediately send information on the vessel’s location within 35 seconds of an emergency.