World’s Largest VLEC ‘PANG TIAN’ Set for Handover in November 2020
Next month, November 2020, is expected to see the handover of PANG TIAN, the world’s largest VLEC (Very Large Ethane Carrier). The prototype vessel is the first of three that are under construction at South Korean shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Busan, having been ordered by China’s Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical, who will lease them from Malaysian owners MISC, under charter for a period of 15 years. The other two ships are PANG XIN and XIN REN. All 3 are due to be delivered within a couple of months of each other.
Solar Solve Marine Contributes to Record-Breaking Vessels
Once again, the team at South Shields-based marine equipment manufacturer Solar Solve Marine is pleased to be involved with yet another world record-breaking vessel. PANG TAN and its two sister ships will all be delivered to their owners, with SOLASAFE® roller sunscreens installed at all 20 windows on the navigation bridge. When in use, the screens will act as a navigation safety aid, protecting the ship’s personnel from solar glare, infrared heat, and ultraviolet light, creating a safer and more comfortable working environment.
Technical Specifications of the VLEC Fleet
All three 62,367dwt VLEC’s will be 230m long, 36.5m beam, and have a 22.4m depth; the engines will be 21,563 horsepower and the gas cargo capacity 96,040 cu.m. Each vessel will cost $122m.
Industry Insight from Solar Solve Marine’s Chairman
John Lightfoot, MBE, Solar Solve Marine’s chairman, commented, “Apparently, ethane is seen to have a good future in global choice of cleaner fuels, and whilst ship builders have been constructing general liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers for a few decades now, these vessels are specially designed to carry ethane gas cargoes.”
Resilience of South Korean Shipbuilders During the Pandemic
John continued, “Like most countries, South Korea has and is continuing to suffer from the Coronavirus and its fallout. It speaks volumes for the people, the South Korean nation, and in this case, those allied to shipbuilding, that they are managing to get most vessels delivered on, or before, their scheduled delivery dates.”
A Moment of Pride for Solar Solve Marine
“Naturally, the Solar Solve team here in South Shields is justly proud to have done our part in helping to make it happen.
