Denmark’s MH Simonsen has embarked on a fleet renewal with an order for eight chemical tankers.
The reborn Jiangxi New Jiangzhou Shipbuilding said it will build the 6,800-tonne stainless steel hybrid-electric methanol dual-fuel ships.
This is the Danish company’s first newbuilding order in China in its 93-year history.
No price or delivery dates have been given.
The shipyard said the contract constituted Jiangxi province’s largest single shipbuilding export order, as well as its first methanol dual-fuel ship deal.
Jiangxi New Jiangzhou said it had “won the favour of mainstream European shipowners and returned to the European stage with a strong comeback”.
“Within two months, it has achieved three breakthroughs in orders and signed batch orders for new-energy stainless steel chemical tankers,” it added.
The shipyard — formerly Jiangzhou Union Shipbuilding — was resurrected last year.
It began taking in newbuilding contracts in December, when domestic company Alita Shanghai ordered two 13,800-dwt stainless steel chemical tankers for delivery in 2025. The deal includes two options.
The yard has more than 20 ships on order, including chemical tankers, multipurpose heavylift ships, “new-energy ships” and other types, it added.
Run by founder’s son
Simonsen, which owns 10 small tankers built between 1985 and 2011, was founded in 1931 by Martin Hjorth Simonsen.
His son Lars Hjorth Simonsen is managing director today.
The shipowner has been contacted for comment.
Earlier this month, Jiangxi New Jiangzhou revealed newbuilding contracts from two European companies worth $152m.
A series of MPP general cargo vessels was ordered by Germany’s Candler Schiffahrt, while Dutch owner Mercurius Shipping ordered four stainless steel chemical tankers.
Candlers’ six 12,000-dwt MPPs are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026.
The ships, featuring double cargo holds for loading flexibility, will comply with the Energy Efficiency Design Index phase 3 rating and will be IMO Tier III NOx compliant.
The yard did not disclose the size of the Mercurius tankers, but said they will be classed by Lloyd’s Register and are due for 2025 and 2026 delivery.
Jiangxi New Jiangzhou was launched in March 2023 with registered capital of CNY 50m ($6.9m).
It is backed by Singapore-listed Yangzijiang Financial subsidiary Jiangsu Yangchuan Investment Development and Qinshi Group, which controls Bestway Marine & Energy Technology.
