Euronav of Belgium has concluded an order with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng of China for two 17,000dwt bitumen tankers , for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Both vessels have been chartered for 10 years upon delivery from the yard. The vessels will have dual-fuel green methanol engines that are ready to be retrofitted for future operation on ammonia. The company points out that worldwide there are 230 bitumen tankers with an average age of 15 years. The ordered vessels’ deadweight will be about twice the average of the existing fleet. They will be equipped for carriage of asphalt at a temperature of 250 deg C.
Euronav and its joint company CMB.Tech are committed to sustainable shipping through a focus on diversification, optimisation and decarbonisation. Earlier in 2024, CMB.Tech and Euronav announced the construction of the world’s first ammonia-fuelled container ship in partnership with NCL and Yara. With the addition of the charters for the two new bitumen tanker charters, the total contract backlog of Euronav amounts to US$ 1,975m.
Alexander Saverys, CEO Euronav said: “With the new orders for two state-of-the-art and green newbuilding bitumen tankers, we continue to execute our strategy of diversification and decarbonisation of our fleet. In recent months, we have secured a total of 55 years of time charter cover thanks to the great support of top-class companies. This proves that our customers are ready to partner up with Euronav and CMB.Tech to develop future-proof solutions for the shipping industry. We will continue to develop innovative low carbon solutions for our customers and will accelerate our investments in the maritime energy transition. Decarbonise today, navigate tomorrow.”
