Navig8 Chemical Tankers signed shipbuilding contracts for the construction of two 25,000dwt IMO2 eco-design stainless steel chemical tankers to be built at Fukuoka Shipbuilding. The newbuilds are set for delivery in 2017.

    "We are experiencing robust growth for chemical tanker demand, in particular for long-haul cargoes. We anticipate an acceleration of demand growth from 2015 onwards, initially from the Middle East producers, which are expected to add 5Mt of new ethylene capacity between 2014 and 2016. Thereafter, the biggest change will come from the US from 2016 onwards, on the back of the US shale gas revolution, which is set to reshape the landscape for liquid chemical production and transportation", said a Navig8 spokesperson.