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Essberger’s newbuild push rolls on with up to six chemical tankers in China
German chemical tanker owner John T. Essberger is continuing its long-term fleet renewal strategy, placing a new series of chemical tanker orders at a Chinese shipyard as it accelerates the replacement of older tonnage with modern, regulation-ready vessels.
The Hamburg-based group has confirmed firm contracts for two 7,900 dwt duplex stainless steel chemical tankers, with options for an additional four vessels, at China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard. The ships will be built to Ice Class 1A standards and are specifically designed for parcel chemical trades in Northern European waters, where ice capability and operational flexibility are essential.
Focus on Efficiency and Regulatory Readiness
According to Essberger, the newbuildings form part of a broader plan to modernise its fleet in response to tightening environmental regulations, rising efficiency requirements, and evolving operational demands across European short-sea and coastal trades. The first delivery is scheduled for August 2028, with optional vessels to follow if exercised.
“These vessels are engineered to meet the future needs of chemical shipping, combining environmental optimisation with operational reliability,” the company said, highlighting fuel efficiency, cargo flexibility, and compliance with upcoming regulatory frameworks.
Part of a Broader Newbuilding Programme
The latest contracts add to an already busy period of newbuilding activity for Essberger. In late 2024, the company placed orders for up to six 13,000 dwt Ice Class 1A chemical tankers at Nantong Rainbow Offshore & Engineering Equipment, while an earlier programme in 2021 saw eight stainless steel parcel tankers ordered at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.
In parallel, four larger 13,800 dwt chemical tankers are currently under construction at the Rainbow yard and are expected to join the fleet ahead of the newly ordered 7,900 dwt units, reinforcing Essberger’s presence in both coastal and regional chemical shipping markets.
Strengthening European Chemical Sea Freight
Essberger’s chemical tanker operations are conducted through the E&S Tankers joint venture with Stolt-Nielsen, a partnership focused on high-quality parcel tanker services across Europe. The new vessels will further strengthen the group’s sea freight offering by improving schedule reliability, cargo segregation capability, and energy efficiency—key competitive factors in European chemical logistics.
Each of the new ships will measure 119.9 metres in length, with a beam of 18 metres, maximum draught of 6.85 metres, and a cargo tank volume of approximately 8,950 cubic metres, making them well suited to complex chemical parcel trades in constrained ports and icy conditions.
Commenting on the programme, Eberhart von Rantzau, managing owner of John T. Essberger, said the company remains committed to systematic fleet renewal:
“We are replacing older ships with environmentally optimised tonnage designed specifically for the demands of European coastal chemical shipping. These new vessels will strengthen our fleet well into the next decade.”
