Deltamarin's newly developed 40,000 dwt MR1 product oil tanker design has received an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate from classification society Bureau Veritas (BV). The certificate, awarded during the SMM maritime trade fair in Hamburg, confirms the design's compliance with applicable requirements and highlights the technical advancement of the innovative vessel, supporting its continued development toward market application. An AIP is an early-stage classification milestone: it indicates that a concept design is feasible under the relevant class rules, but it precedes full class approval and construction contracts.

The newly approved MR1 product oil tanker follows the development and delivery of Deltamarin's optimized 50,000 dwt MR2 tanker. Like its predecessor, it is a modern, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vessel jointly developed by Deltamarin and China Merchant Shipbuilding Industry Group Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard Co., Ltd. The design further expands the two companies' portfolio of medium- and small-sized product oil tankers. In industry terminology, MR (Medium Range) tankers are among the most widely traded product carrier classes, typically used for refined petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel on regional and short-haul routes.

Tailored to niche demands in the current shipping market, the vessel is specifically adapted to operating scenarios that involve port draft restrictions, short-haul voyages and high-frequency cargo turnover. It addresses a gap in this market segment by offering shipowners and operators a more diverse and flexible design solution that can be adapted to different operational requirements.

Leveraging proven vessel development expertise and refined design optimization, the new MR1 tanker delivers comprehensive upgrades in four key areas: energy efficiency, cargo-carrying capacity, environmental compliance and safety. The vessel fully complies with international maritime environmental regulations — a significant consideration as the IMO's carbon-intensity measures for existing and new ships tighten across the industry — and features optimized hull lines and powertrain matching designed to substantially reduce sailing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The design also strikes an effective balance between energy efficiency, transport capacity and structural safety, taking both cargo volume and structural integrity into account.

In addition, the design offers strong scenario adaptability and customization potential. Personalized adjustments can be made according to customers' routing conditions, cargo requirements and operational modes to accommodate diverse operating profiles. This allows shipowners and operators to optimize the vessel for their specific needs, helping to contain operating costs and improve overall profitability.

According to Deltamarin, the 40,000 dwt MR1 tanker provides a new-generation, high-efficiency and cost-effective solution for short-haul, high-frequency product oil transportation. With the AIP in hand, the next steps for the design typically involve detailed engineering development and discussions with prospective owners and shipyards ahead of any construction.

Source: Deltamarin