The company has contracted Wuhu Shipyard to build six 38k dwt vessels for delivery in 2026-28, with an option for six more.

The medium-range tankers are designed by the Swedish Uddevalla-based FKAB Marine Design to maximise fuel efficiency, including the bureau's patented F-bow as well as overall hull form optimisation. They will also have connectors to draw power from the shore at berth.

While the ships will initially sail on low-sulphur marine fuel, they will also be methanol- and battery-ready.

The new-builds will offer 30 stainless steel cargo tank segregations.

"Following our well-timed acquisitions of 10 secondhand ships since 2021, now is the right time to invest in newbuildings. This deal positions Stolt Tankers for the future by improving flexibility and maintaining our fleet size as we retire older ships from our network between 2026 and 2030," said Udo Lange, CEO of Stolt-Nielsen (Stolt Tankers' parent company).

He furthered, "It also reflects our strategy to add modern, fuel-efficient ships to our fleet to support our customers by improving our service offering and making their supply chains simpler and more sustainable. Not only will these new ships help Stolt Tankers in its ambition to reduce its carbon intensity by 50% (relative to the 2008 baseline) by 2030, but they will also help reduce customers' scope 3 emissions."

Photo: FKAB Marine Design