The Oslo-listed Stolt-Nielsen reported that Stolt Tankers teams with NYK Line to build chemical tankers that will replace ships retiring from its fleet portfolio from 2026.
Norway’s Stolt-Nielsen has pressed the button on more fleet renewal with an order for six 38,000 deadweight tonne stainless steel chemical tankers in China.
The deal has been signed by the company’s joint venture NYK Line and Stolt Tankers (NST) with the shipyard Nantong Xiangyu in China.
The ships, which will be delivered between late 2026 and 2029, are sisterships to Stolt Tankers’ order of six ships from Wuhu Shipyard announced in November.
The ships feature 30 cargo tanks, offering a range of cargo flexibility and are designed to maximise fuel efficiency, using a wide range of energy savings devices and shore power connection.
They can also be retrofitted for battery and methanol propulsion.
Udo Lange, chief executive, Stolt-Nielsen said: “This order reflects our strategy to maintain scale of our core 38,000 deadweight tonne fleet by adding newbuildings not otherwise available in the second-hand market in a capital efficient way through our NST joint venture.”
“These newbuildings will replace ships retiring from our fleet from 2026, ensuring our customers continue to enjoy the flexibility and service quality Stolt Tankers is known for.
“This order reflects our strategy to maintain scale of our core 38,000 deadweight tonne fleet by adding newbuildings not otherwise available in the second-hand market in a capital efficient way through our NST joint venture.”
Hironobu Watanabe, NYK Line managing executive and chief executive of the company’s energy division, pointed out: “I am pleased to have reached this newbuilding order with Stolt Tankers, our long-time partner for over 30 years. By replacing the vessels with ones that are more fuel-efficient, we can provide stable transportation services to our customers while promoting an energy transition.”
