Japan’s MHI to build fourth LPG carrier for Astomos Energy
Japan-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has secured an order from Astomos Energy to build a very large liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier.
This new contract marks the fourth LPG tanker order in a series from MHI and the new-build will be similar to the first vessel booked in 2013.
The 230m-long and 36.6m-wide vessel will have a gross tonnage of 48,300t and deadweight tonnage of 51,100t. It will be capable of carrying up to 83,000m³ of LPG.
In addition, the vessel will be equipped with advanced systems such as a mooring arrangement to enable passage through the expanded Panama Canal.
Construction of the carrier will take place at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard and Machinery Works, and it is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2017.
With the support of MHI’s unique hull design and other features, the new vessel will offer greater fuel efficiency and adaptability for LPG terminal connecting conditions worldwide, MHI stated.
The new vessels are part of Astomos’ plan to expand its LPG transport structure and increase gross LPG-handling volume from the current ten million tonnes a year to more than 12 million tonnes by 2017.
After delivery, the new carrier will replace a vessel that was built in the early 1990s.
Astomos currently operates a fleet of 21 large-scale LPG carriers, with six ships being owned by the company and 15 time-chartered vessels constructed by MHI.
