Rainbow Offshore secures European chemical tanker newbuilding contract

Rainbow Offshore, a subsidiary of China’s Rainbowco, has signed a shipbuilding contract with a European shipowner for up to six 13,000 DWT duplex stainless steel chemical tankers.

The agreement includes optional vessels, although the company has not specified the number of firm orders or the options included in the six-ship programme. The identity of the European shipowner was not disclosed in the announcement.

The new chemical tankers will measure 132 metres in overall length and 21.8 metres in breadth. Their design is intended to support operations in Northern European waters, including routes with restricted waterways and demanding navigation conditions.

Each vessel will feature 12 independent duplex stainless steel cargo tanks, providing corrosion resistance and allowing different categories of chemical cargo to be transported during the same voyage.

According to Rainbowco, the multi-compartment arrangement is designed to accommodate chemical products with demanding cleanliness and cargo-handling requirements, while providing greater flexibility for operators transporting multiple cargo grades.

The company also said the design incorporates considerations relating to operational efficiency and environmental performance, although the announcement did not provide specific fuel consumption or emissions figures.

The contract adds to Rainbow Offshore’s portfolio of specialised vessel construction projects for European customers, including its existing chemical tanker newbuilding activities.

The announcement did not disclose the contract value, delivery schedule or propulsion specifications for the newly ordered vessels.