Germany’s John T. Essberger has set out to expand its chemical tankers fleet with up to six newbuilds in China.

The Hamburg-headquartered company has contracted two firm 13，000 dwt 1A ice class units at Nantong Rainbow Offshore & Engineering Equipment with options for four more.

No price has been divulged for the 132-m-long newbuilds， which will feature engines capable of running on methanol and start delivering from April 2027.

The order that follows Essberger’s eight stainless steel parcel chemical tankers at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in 2021， coincides with the company’s 100th anniversary.

“Despite global challenges in shipyard capacity and rising construction costs， we remain dedicated to modernising and expanding our fleet to the most advanced technical standards，” Essberger said.

Once delivered， the ships will be deployed in the E&S Tankers Pool， Essberger’s joint venture with Stolt Tankers.