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A keel-laying ceremony has been laid for Sirius Shipping's second Evolution-class oil tanker at China's Avic Dingheng shipyard.
The second of two Ice Class 1A, 7,999 DWT Evolution-class newbuildings, the 119.9-metre by 19.4-metre Mercurius (AD0031) is designed for low maintenance, low fuel consumption and high performance in harsh conditions.
The 9,700-cubic-metre, Tier III oil product tanker for chemicals (IMO II) and oil products will have a high cargo intake with a density of 1.54 tonnes per cubic metre for SECA area trade.
She will be powered by a low-speed, two-stroke Man 4,500kW main engine.
The keel was laid for the first vessel Saturnus (AD0030) in February.
Esso Norway have signed a time charter contract for Saturnus upon delivery.