AVIC Dingheng shipyard in China has hosted the keel-laying ceremony for the first of Sirius Shipping's two Evolution-class vessels.
Designed for harsh weather conditions, the Ice Class 1A, 7,999DWT oil and chemical tankers measure 119.9 metres by 19.4 metres.
The 9,700-cubic-metre, Tier III oil product tanker for chemicals (IMO II) and oil products will be constructed for high cargo intake with a density of 1.54 tonnes per cubic metre and for SECA area trade.
Once delivered, the newbuilding will be operated by ESSO Norway on a time charter.