Daily Progress, Strength in Synergy! The 18,500 DWT Chemical Tanker (18526) Hits New Record in Launch Completeness

On October 16, the 18,500 DWT chemical tanker (18526) was successfully launched at No. 3 slipway. The project team implemented the modern shipbuilding production philosophy of "separated routes in space, orderly sequencing in time," deepened the integrated construction of hull, outfitting and painting as well as the integration of design, production and management, and promoted the early implementation of multiple processes including pre-sandblasting of special coating tanks, lighting and commissioning of the superstructure, and radar installation and commissioning. The ship's launch completeness set a new historical high among ships of the same series!

Pre-sandblasting at the slipway stage, opening up the entire construction process chain.

During the slipway stage, the 18526 vessel successfully implemented the pre-sandblasting process for cargo oil tanks, achieving a breakthrough in advancing special coating operations and securing critical schedule time for subsequent special coating processes such as main sandblasting and heat curing. With special coating milestones as the driving force, the team coordinated the collaborative advancement of hull, outfitting and painting disciplines, forcing preceding processes to close out on schedule. Work including the installation completeness of cargo oil tank piping outfitting components, cargo oil tank tightness testing, and stainless steel passivation was moved forward to the slipway stage. Simultaneously, all hot work in areas below 200mm on the main deck surface within the region was completed, eliminating the risk of hot work rework during the later painting stage. Through the parallel organization of hull structure, outfitting installation and painting construction, the entire construction chain for cargo oil tank special coating was opened up, the integrated hull-outfitting-painting construction model was implemented, cross-operation in confined compartments after launch was reduced, continuous special coating construction was ensured, and the construction efficiency and special coating quality of the chemical tanker were improved.

Superstructure delivered with lighting on, achieving "move-in ready" condition.

The 18526 vessel completed its "lighting-up project" during the superstructure grand assembly stage, achieving "move-in ready" condition. Furniture, interior finishes and lighting systems in the living quarters were fully installed and commissioned, with cabin functions complete and operational. Meanwhile, equipment in the bridge and control areas was advanced in parallel: the chart table was positioned, leveled and secured; the VDR, charge/discharge panel, radio station and other equipment were wired and laid out; and the entire electrical wiring construction was completed in place, bringing superstructure completeness at the grand assembly stage to a new level.

Radar installation at the slipway stage, with navigation and communication equipment positioned in advance.

The 18526 vessel completed the installation and commissioning of its radar during the slipway stage. As high-precision navigation and communication equipment, radar imposes stringent requirements on installation datum, hull deformation and the operating environment, and is conventionally installed and commissioned during the quay mooring stage after the ship is launched and the hull condition has stabilized. The project team intervened early in the navigation and communication discipline's construction, systematically completing operations including radar antenna hoisting and positioning, main unit securing, in-compartment cable laying, interface connection, and calibration and commissioning, moving what was originally quay-stage commissioning work forward to be completed at the slipway stage.

The completeness of preceding processes is the prerequisite for advancing subsequent processes; the pressure exerted by subsequent processes is the driving force for closing out preceding processes.

Each advance of processes and each improvement in completeness is not the solitary charge of a single discipline, but the resonant coordination of the entire process chain; it is not passive compliance of "you accommodate me," but proactive support of "I enable you."

Day by day, step by step, with each move linked to the next, a new record for slipway cycle time is forged; with hearts aligned and efforts united, a new historical high for ships of the same series is achieved.

Strong synergy is never a slogan, but every process taking one step further forward and preparing one bit more for the next process. Interlocking links and early steps at every stage — this is the deepest confidence behind the smooth launch of the 18526 vessel.