GEFO places order for up to four methanol-ready chemical tankers

German shipping company GEFO has ordered up to four methanol-ready 7,900 dwt chemical tankers in China.

As informed, the company signed a contract for two firm vessels, with an option to purchase two more tankers.

The 7,400 dwt chemical tankers will feature stainless steel tanks. Furthermore, they will be of the highest ice class 1A. The order for the ships was placed at Nantong Xiangyu shipyard in Nantong, China.

According to GEFO, the ships’ hulls will be optimized for the frequently demanding weather conditions in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

At the same time, the output of the main engines installed will be reduced.

This means that they can be operated in the ideal speed range, which could also save fuel.

In addition, the ships are prepared for the installation of fuel-saving Flettner rotors and a possible retrofit with methanol engines.

Flettner rotors are a type of wind propulsion. They are mechanically operated cylindrical sails installed vertically on the deck of the ship and rotate at a certain speed range.

The tankers are scheduled for delivery in late 2026 and early 2027.

In February this year, GEFO opted for ten new 3,850 dwt tankers. The units have been ordered at Xiangyu shipyard in Nantong, China, and are planned for delivery between 2026 and 2028.

GEFO’s fleet comprises a total of 148 coastal and inland vessels and covers routes from the northern Baltic to the western Mediterranean including the North-West European waterway network.