China Shipping Development Tanker Corp (CSDC), a subsidiary of China Shipping Group, is planning to order a tranche of new super-tankers at domestic yards in a move to expand the company fleet and address China's growing oil export trade.
The new orders will consist of two 300,000 ultra large crude carriers (ulcc's), and four panamax-sized vessels. One of China's most successful and largest shipbuilders, Dalian New Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries, has won the contract to build the ulcc's for delivery in 2005.
CSDC is also keen to expand its tanker fleet through the charter market, and has made tentative enquires for additional vessels of about 300,000 dwt.