Tanker fleet boost

As part of its Spirit for 21 management programme, Japan’s K Line has decided to build a double-hulled VLCC and has placed an order at Japanese yard Imabari Shipbuilding Co. The vessel represents K Line’s second VLCC, the first one being under construction at Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

The 300,000 dwt newbuilding has a loa of 333m, a beam of 60m and a depth of 30.3m. Main engine for a service speed of 16 knots will be a MAN B&W 8S80MC. Delivery is set for the second half of 2001.