VESSEL REVIEW | Golden Poplar – Ice-class oil/chemical tanker for China's Seacon Shipping
China's Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding has delivered the new oil/chemical tanker Golden Poplar to local company Seacon Shipping Group Holdings.
The newbuild is a sister ship of Golden Banyan, which was handed over to Seacon in 2025. The China Classification Society (CCS) particulars for the new ship recorded her as a double-hull Type II chemical/oil tanker with a deadweight of 18,398.84.
The Liberian-flagged vessel has an LOA of 149.8 metres (491.5 feet), a length between perpendiculars of 140.8 metres (461.9 feet), a moulded beam of 22.8 metres (74.8 feet), a moulded depth of 12.7 metres (41.7 feet), and an average draught of 8.5 metres (28 feet). The gross tonnage is 11,961 and the net tonnage is 6,062.
The tanker is designed to carry crude oil, petroleum products and liquid chemicals, including IMO II and III products listed under MARPOL Annex I and the International Bulk Chemical Code. Her class particulars set a maximum cargo temperature of 70°C, a maximum cargo pressure of 0.02 MPa, and a maximum cargo density of 1.025 tonnes per cubic metre. The ship also carries the notation for cargoes with a flashpoint of 60°C or below.
Built for efficient transport and handling of a range of liquid cargo grades
The cargo block is divided into 12 tanks arranged in six port and starboard pairs with a total capacity of 20,457.12 cubic metres (4.5 million gallons). The largest tanks are the numbers three and four pairs, each holding 4,206.5 cubic metres (925,300 gallons) between port and starboard. The smallest is the number six pair aft, with a combined 1,937.98 cubic metres (426,296 gallons).
Each of the 12 tanks is fitted with a 1,000mm-diameter opening.
According to the shipyard, variable-frequency hydraulics power six separate cargo transmission systems. Together, they operate six cargo pumps and one ballast pump, making it possible to discharge six cargo grades at once. The cargo pumps have a maximum combined discharge rate of 1,800 cubic metres (400,000 gallons) per hour.
The vessel also features a multi-load-line design that, according to the yard, is intended to satisfy the differing requirements of flag states and ports. Her CCS notations include a loading computer covering strength, intact stability and damage stability, an inert gas system and a vapour control system.
Fitted with energy-saving and emissions reduction systems
Propulsion comes from a Yichang Marine 6S40ME-C9.5-HPSCR low-speed, two-stroke diesel engine that produces 3,900 kW (5,200 hp) at 104 rpm. The engine drives a controllable-pitch propeller to give the tanker a speed of 14 knots.
The propeller is fitted with an energy-saving duct. Steering is provided by a flap rudder with a bulb.
The yard also installed a shaft generator with variable-frequency operation, which it said allows the vessel to sail without running her generator sets. According to the builder, this reduces energy consumption and improves manoeuvrability.
Auxiliary power comes from three Zhenjiang China Marine ZFC6 506-84K generators, each rated at 750 kW. The two boilers were meanwhile supplied by Saacke Qingdao Marine.
Selective catalytic reduction systems on both the main engine and the generator sets ensure compliance with IMO Tier III NOx emission limits. Baird Maritime previously reported that the propulsion system can be converted for methanol operation in future.
The hull carries the CCS notation Ice Class B3. Maximum ice-class draughts are 9.702 metres (31.83 feet) forward, amidships and aft, and the notation specifies a required propulsion power of 3,872 kW (5,190 hp). Other class marks include AUT-0 for unattended machinery spaces, ballast water treatment, emergency response service, enhanced survey programme, in-water survey and PSPC(B) coating protection.
Deck equipment comprises one crane rated at 10 tonnes with a two-tonne capacity for personnel transfers. There is also a 2.5-tonne provisions crane and a 2.5-tonne overhead crane in the engine room.
The superstructure includes a 22.2-metre (72.8-foot) deckhouse, an 11.4-metre (37.4-foot) forecastle, and a 30-metre (98-foot) poop.
Golden Poplar has since begun trading and arrived in Antwerp earlier this month.
