Another Intelligent, Green, High-End Chemical Tanker Delivered

Recently, RF RAN, the first vessel in a new generation of high-end 6,600-ton DC electric-drive duplex stainless steel chemical tankers built by Wuhu Shipyard for Norwegian shipowner RFOcean, was officially delivered. This milestone marks yet another breakthrough for Wuhu Shipyard in the development and construction of small-to-medium-sized, high-end chemical tankers, setting a new benchmark in the sector.

The 6,600-ton stainless steel chemical tanker represents an entirely new series developed with full dedication by Wuhu Shipyard, redefining the technical standards for small-to-medium-sized, high-end chemical tankers and delivering a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable nextgeneration solution for the global chemical transportation sector. As the lead vessel of this series, the delivery of RF RAN not only validates this new standard but also marks a more substantial step forward for Wuhu Shipyard in the realm of futureoriented, highquality vessel construction, further strengthening the brand influence of "Wuhu Intelligent Shipbuilding" in the chemical tanker market.

Since entering the chemical tanker sector in 2016, Wuhu Shipyard has secured the top position in new order intake within this specialized segment for two consecutive years, leveraging its proprietary core technologies—including asphalt liquid cargo thermal management and hybrid solutions (encompassing hybrid propulsion and waste heat recovery for thermal oil power generation)—all underpinned by fully independent intellectual property rights. This sustained success further consolidates the shipyard's standing as a leading global manufacturer of chemical tankers.

Vessel Specifications

The vessel has an overall length of 113.6 meters, a moulded breadth of 17.6 meters, a moulded depth of 9.0 meters, and a design draft of 6.8 meters. It is equipped with twelve independent 2205 duplex stainless steel cargo tanks, which offer both high strength and exceptional corrosion resistance, enabling the safe carriage of a wide range of chemical cargoes permitted under the IMO Type II certificate. The hull complies with Finnish-Swedish Ice Class 1A requirements, allowing for safe navigation in Baltic Sea winter ice conditions and other seasonal ice zones. Additionally, the air draft is designed to meet the transit requirements of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the North American Great Lakes, endowing the vessel with extensive global operational versatility.

High-End Configuration: Efficient Power and Leading Performance

The vessel is equipped with an industry-leading propulsion system featuring advanced DC electric propulsion technology. This configuration simplifies the system architecture while enabling the generator sets to operate at optimal efficiency. Actual measurements have demonstrated an approximate 10% reduction in fuel consumption, reinforcing the vessel's leading position in the design of energy-efficient chemical tankers.

Green Configuration: Low-Carbon Environmental Protection and Leading Compliance

The vessel features a methanol-ready design, significantly reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, with all performance indicators exceeding IMO Tier III standards. Supported by integrated carbonneutral solutions, the vessel achieves highefficiency energy savings and emissions reduction.

Intelligent Configuration: Smart Integration and High-Efficiency Operation

The vessel is equipped with a comprehensive intelligent system that integrates four major platforms: smart navigation, smart machinery, smart energy efficiency management, and smart cargo handling. This integration enables realtime condition monitoring, route optimization, fault prediction, and precise cargo management, thereby significantly enhancing both navigational safety and operational efficiency.