German shipping company GEFO has ordered up to four methanol-ready 7,900 dwt chemical tankers in China.
The 7,400 dwt chemical tankers will feature stainless steel tanks. Furthermore, they will be of the highest ice class 1A. The order for the ships was placed at Nantong Xiangyu shipyard in Nantong, China.
According to GEFO, the ships’ hulls will be optimized for the frequently demanding weather conditions in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
At the same time, the output of the main engines installed will be reduced.
This means that they can be operated in the ideal speed range, which could also save fuel.
In addition, the ships are prepared for the installation of fuel-saving Flettner rotors and a possible retrofit with methanol engines.
Flettner rotors are a type of wind propulsion. They are mechanically operated cylindrical sails installed vertically on the deck of the ship and rotate at a certain speed range.
The tankers are scheduled for delivery in late 2026 and early 2027.
