Cs-Development Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

China State Shipbuilding Co's (CSSC) Hong Kong-based shipowning and leasing division has made headlines with its recent acquisition of the 18-year-old Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), Cosmic Jewel, from Eastern Pacific for a substantial $30 million. The strategic purchase aligns with CSSC's ongoing quest for older VLCCs, aimed at repurposing them for oil storage near Singapore. Following this transaction, Eastern Pacific now retains only one VLCC in its fleet, the 15-year-old Maritime Jewel, as the company streamlines its operations.

The VLCC 'Cosmic Jewel,' with IMO number 9133850, chartered by PetroChina, has paused its crude discharge operations at Dalian port, northeast China, just hours before a significant explosion rocked the area on July 16, 2010. At the time of the unfortunate event, the vessel was not unloading any cargo, and its manifold valves were securely closed to ensure safety. Fortunately, no injuries, pollution, or damages have been connected to the 'Cosmic Jewel.' Currently, the ship is anchored at a safe location off Dalian, where it awaits further instructions. The vessel is still carrying 1 million barrels of Latin American crude oil, which constitutes half of its original cargo after successfully discharging the other half at Dalian port. In the aftermath of the explosion which led to the shutdown of the terminal, reports indicate that as many as six VLCCs, collectively holding around 12 million barrels of crude oil, are expected to be redirected away from Dalian port.