Tokyo April 22, 1999 |
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| "K"LINE’s 2nd Double-Hull VLCC to Be Built | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pursuant to the five-year plan named
“New "K"LINE Spirit for 21” formulated in April,1998,
"K"LINE has decided to build a double-hull VLCC by Imabari Shipbuilding Co.,
Ltd. as described below in order to further reinforce the fleet of the Company’s
tanker sector. She is going to be the second double-hull VLCC for the Company, following
the first one under construction by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
The new tanker is characteristic of being compatible with both types of 300,000mt DWT AG / WEST VLCC like the first ship, and her deadweight capacity being greater by some thousands metric tons under the maximum draft limitations set for safety in navigation in Japan and the Strait of Malacca, as compared with conventional VLCCs bound for Japan. Consequently, she is expected to gain so a competitive and advantageous position against conventional VLCCs trading in the Far East including Japan. The Company is going to have the two double-hull VLCCs, It really encourages us all to redouble our efforts and will do further to grow our fleet in number and to upgrade the whole part in quality with an sharp eye to demand and supply on the markets, as in the case of rearrangement of AFRAMAX. With our own excellent technologies for safety in navigation, in addition to such most updated and highly-sophisticated carriers, we will develop our business positively and expansively to secure medium-and long- term contracts. This ship is the first VLCC that Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. constructs. We have proceeded to place an order with the same company, under their long reliable relationship with us, estimating so high their achievements, technologies and their long diligent study for development of VLCCs. Your kind attention to the above and your cooperation with us would be highly appreciated. For more information regarding the above, contact: |
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