Fukuoka Shipbuilding recently delivered the LNG-powered IMO 2/3 chemical tanker “Fairchem Pioneer” to US-based Fairfield Chemical Carriers. This is the second unit in a series of four LNG-powered chemical tankers that Fukuoka Shipbuilding is building for Fairfield.
Currently, the first unit, Fairchem Pathfinder, was delivered in May this year; the third unit, Fairchem Prestige, was launched on April 22 and is expected to be delivered in November 2024. This series of chemical tankers is 158.4 meters in length and features LNG propulsion technology, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 5 percent compared to conventional marine fuels.
Fairfield Chemical Carriers has been reportedly acquired by MOL Chemical Tankers, a subsidiary of Japanese shipping giant MOL. The transaction, which closed on March 1, 2024, is based on a share transfer agreement signed at the end of September 2023 and has been approved by the relevant authorities. The share purchase price is approximately $400 million.
Through this acquisition, MOL Chemical Tankers’ chemical tanker fleet will be integrated with Fairfield Chemical Carriers’ chemical tanker fleet, making it the world’s largest stainless steel chemical tanker fleet, which transports a wide range of liquid chemical cargoes, animal and vegetable oils and lubricants.