Chinese owner Alita Shanghai International Shipping is bolstering its fleet of stainless steel chemical tankers with up to four newbuilds at a domestic yard， Zhejiang Haoyou Shipbuilding.

The order covers two firm and two optional 13，800 dwt IMO type II and III vessels， with deliveries starting in November next year.

The 132-m-long units with a maximum hold capacity of 15，200 cu m will add to Alita’s chemical tankers booked at the reborn Chinese yard New Jiangzhou Shipbuilding late last year. The deal also included up to four ships， with the firm units due for delivery in 2025.

Other Chinese owners had recently moved to expand their fleets of stainless steel chemical carriers. Chemical enterprise Junzheng Group， via its SC Shipping， has up to twenty 25，900 dwt newbuilds spread between Wuchang Shipbuilding and China Merchants Jinling， while Xingtong Shipping also booked a pair of similar units at Wuchang， albeit methanol-ready.