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Malaysia-headquartered petroleum owner-operator, AET, has named two fuel-efficient VLCC newbuildings at the DSME Shipyard in Korea. One vessel, Eagle Verona [pictured], is due to be delivered immediately with the other, Eagle Versailles, scheduled to follow in December.

According to AET, both 320,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) vessels are built to the latest 'eco-design' to ensure they are two of the greenest VLCCs operating in today’s market.

Innovations include MAN B&W’s latest super-stroke electronically controlled main engine (G-ME engine), together with a higher efficient propeller of larger diameter and lower revolutions per minute (rpm).

Other energy-saving enhancements include DSME duct, rudder bulb and propeller boss cap fins. In addition, both vessels are fitted with a ship eco-management system which includes ship performance monitoring, trim optimisation and weather routing.

"Together, these innovations will significantly improve fuel consumption and deliver an EEDI which is 16.9% better than the IMO base-line. This puts them firmly into the acceptance zone for Singapore MPAs Green Shipping Programme," AET said.

Speaking at the naming ceremony at the DSME shipyard in Okpo, Korea, AET President & CEO, Hor Weng Yew commented: "We are committed to operating a young, technologically advanced and clean fleet of petroleum vessels. Each new ship that joins our fleet will have a significantly lower impact on the natural environment than the vessel it replaces. The delivery today of Eagle Verona and Eagle Versailles cements our obligation to the environment and also meets our customers’ requirements for clean, fuel efficient, modern and exceptionally safe tonnage."

Eagle Verona is due to be chartered to one of AET’s major customers as soon as the vessel leaves the yard. Eagle Versailles will join the AET fleet in December.