World's first smart VLCC delivered in NE China

China delivered its first intelligent very large crude carrier (VLCC) in Dalian, northeast Liaoning Province, on Saturday. （Photo/CGTN）

China delivered its first intelligent very large crude carrier (VLCC) in Dalian, northeast Liaoning Province, on Saturday.

The VLCC, named "New Journey," is also the world's first smart VLCC with a loading capacity of 308,000 tons.

It's more than 300 meters long, equivalent to the length of 35 five-ton trucks connecting end to end. One can only touch the upper part of a 300,000-ton VLCC's cab by standing on a 55-meter-high building.

It was constructed by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) for China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd.

"At present, countries around the world are actively promoting intelligent navigation and developing intelligent technologies for ships, which plays an important role in improving maritime traffic safety, energy conservation, emission reduction and economic efficiency," said Guan Yinghua, vice chief engineer of DSIC.

'Intelligent brain' brings efficiency, security

Compared with other oil tankers, the most outstanding feature of "New Journey" is its "intelligent brain."

By constructing a supporting network information platform, the carrier has realized five major intelligent functions, including assisted autopilot navigation, intelligent liquefied cargo management, comprehensive energy efficiency management, equipment operation and maintenance, and integrated ship-to-shore communication.