Dalian to build Italy's largest vessel

Shanghai: Italian owner ILVA Servizi Marittimi Spa has ordered a 300,000 dwt Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) to be built at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry, that will be the largest ship ever built for the Italian flag.
The VLOC will be 321 m loa, 300,000 dwt and is due for delivery in 2011. It will be classed by RINA and be the largest vessel on the Italian classification society's books.The vessel is to be plan approved by RINA's recently expanded Shanghai Plan Approval Centre, and classification during construction will be by surveyors from RINA's Dalian Survey Station. Antonio Pingiori, RINA marine division md says, "We have invested heavily in people and tools in China, and built up relations with the shipyards. This major order is a step up in size for us and is the result of the work we have put in to building a solid, responsive technical presence in China. We have expanded our Shanghai Plan Approval Centre and invested in training Chinese experts in the use of our LEONARDO hull software, and expanded our presence close to the major yard groups. This will give owners confidence that we are able to work with the biggest shipyards and biggest vessels too." Italy-based ILVA has a fleet of 15 Italian-flag ships, all classed by RINA, and has a further 13 ships totalling 730,600 dwt on order, all to RINA class and all at Chinese yards.
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