The completion and delivery ceremony for two 5,900-cu-m palm oil transport ships takes place at Rizhao Port. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong-Port]

The completion and delivery ceremony for two 5,900-cubic-meter palm oil transport ships was held at Rizhao Port on Sept 14.

The ships were constructed by Shandong Land and Sea Equipment Group's Gangda Shipbuilding Company – marking the first foreign chemicals transportation ship project for giant Chinese ports operator Shandong Port Group, or SPG.

Compared with previous models of ships, the vessels have better energy-saving effects, a faster unloading speed, higher safety performance and superior eco-friendly advantages.

Equipped with a cargo oil monitoring system, they can achieve real-time monitoring of oil temperatures and pressure, enhancing the overall safety measures.

The ships are also equipped with a solar power generation system to meet daily electricity needs, reducing reliance on traditional fuel.

From the initial cooperation on the 5,900-cu-m palm oil transport ship project in 2023 to joint efforts on a 6,800-cu-m chemicals transportation ship project this year, Gangda Shipbuilding Company and Indonesian shipowners are said to have cooperated efficiently and effectively – jointly promoting the steady progress of the friendship ship.

Both parties are said to have adhered to high-quality production concepts – overcoming challenges such as extreme weather conditions and upgraded classification standards, working together and racing against time to ensure the smooth delivery of the ships.

In recent years, Shandong Land and Sea Equipment Group has opened up a transformational development path from tugboats to merchant ships, reducing production costs by undertaking a series of ship types.

The group has established friendly commercial relationships with Indonesia, Singapore, the Netherlands and Turkey – signing a total of 14 international orders involving chemicals transportation ships, offshore tugboats and multipurpose vessels, with a total contract amount exceeding $135 million.