Japan’s Fukuoka Shipbuilding has launched Fairfield Chemical’s second in the series of four LNG dual-fuel stainless steel chemical tankers.
Connecticut-based Fairfield Chemical said in a statement that the launching ceremony for the 26,300-dwt Fairchem Pathfinder took place on September 14.
The firm said that the vessel will feature the same LNG propulsion technology as its sister, Fairchem Pioneer, which is scheduled to enter service in early November.
Fukuoka floated out Fairchem Pioneer on April 7.
Fairfield Chemical expects Fairchem Pathfinder to enter service in February 2024.
The shipping firm ordered Fairchem Pioneer and Fairchem Pathfinder in June 2021.
After that, it exercised an option for two more stainless steel chemical tankers, Fairchem Prestige and Fairchem Pinnacle, in 2022.
MOL Chemical Tankers, a unit of Japan’s shipping giant MOL will buy Fairfield Chemical for $400 million under a recently agreed deal.
Fairfield Chemical’s fleet consists of 36 chemical tankers. As such, the fleet would dovetail with MOL Chemical Tankers’ fleet of 85 chemical tankers.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
