VESSEL REVIEW | Chinook I – Versatile oil/chemical tanker for UK’s Union Maritime

China’s Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding has handed over a new oil/chemical tanker to UK shipping company Union Maritime.

Named Chinook I, the vessel is the first unit in a new series of steel-hulled chemical tankers ordered by Union Maritime from the same shipbuilder.

Able to transport a broad range of liquid cargo types

The newbuild has an LOA of 149.8 metres (491.5 feet), a beam of 22.8 metres (74.8 feet), a design draught of 8.5 metres (27.9 feet), a depth of 12.7 metres (41.7 feet), a gross tonnage of 11,952, and a deadweight of approximately 18,500.

The 12 cargo tanks will be used primarily for the transport of refined oil, vegetable oil, and IMO class II and III bulk chemicals with a trial flash point of less than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius to satisfy the requirements of IBC specifications.

Reliable propulsion setup

Power is provided by a Yichang Marine main diesel engine with a rated output of 3,900 kW (5,200 hp). The engine is fed by a 757-cubic-metre (26,700-cubic-foot) fuel tank and drives a controllable-pitch propeller to deliver a service speed of 14 knots.

The onboard systems draw power from three 850kVA main generators while a 156kVA generator is available for use during emergencies.

Chinook I is classed by Bureau Veritas and will sail under the flag of the Marshall Islands.