A Chinese shipyard has delivered a very large crude carrier (VLCC) outfitted with smart technology to a customer in the port of Dalian. The tanker, known as the New Vision, is only the second vessel of its kind in the world, according to China Shipbuilding Industry Corp. (CSIC).
The new VLCC has a loading capacity of 308,000 tons, a maximum draft of 21.5 meters, and a design speed of 15.7 nautical miles per hour. Its smart systems enhance the vessel’s digital autopilot navigation, equipment operation and maintenance, integrated energy efficiency management, liquid cargo management and ship-to-shore communication features.
With the help of these smart systems, the New Vision will operate at maximum efficiency while also optimizing safety conditions. The tanker has already passed a test that involved relying on an assisted decision-making system to avoid collisions with other ships in open waters.