LR Asia wins largest order yet in China

Lloyd?s Register Asia has signed a contract with Dalian New Shipbuilding Heavy Industry (DNS) for its single biggest order in China to date comprising of 17 ships (seven VLCCs and 10 container ships), representing a total of over 1,500,000 gt.

The contract was signed by Richard Hu, Director of the business department of DNS and Iain Wilson, Lloyd?s Register Asia?s Marine Manager for China. Also present at the ceremony were John Stansfeld, Lloyd?s Register Asia Director, and Henry Chiang, Area Manager for China.

The seven VLCCs were ordered by A P M?ller-Maersk, an owner who has continuously demonstrated its strong commitment to new construction in China, having ordered more than 50 vessels from shipyards in the country to date. The 10 container ships, all with a capacity of 4,250 teu, are the largest ships of this type yet ordered for export in China. A number of these are for Pacific International Lines (PIL) of Singapore.

“These orders are a breakthrough, both for Dalian New Shipbuilding and for Lloyd?s Register Asia,” says Stansfeld. “The container ships take China the next step up the size ladder and will no doubt open the door for Chinese yards to build more Panamax and perhaps even post-Panamax ships for export in the future.”

Lloyd?s Register is responsible for classing some 140 vessels totalling more than 4 million dwt on order or under construction in China.