Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group Co., Ltd. has achieved consecutive production milestones at its No. 2 dock recently. On December 14, the company launched the H1456 vessel, a 114,000-ton Aframax product tanker built for Turkey’s YASA Shipping. This marks the eighth batch of vessels launched from the No. 2 dock in 2025. The following day, on December 15, the company successfully laid the keel for the H1598 vessel, a 158,000-ton crude oil tanker for Greece’s Cape Shipping. The rapid and high-quality completion of these milestones underscores the efficiency of the company’s "rhythmic production" approach.
The launching ceremony for the H1456 vessel was attended by Li Zhizhong, the project director, representatives from YASA Shipping, Lloyd’s Register (LR), and relevant departments of the company. As the first vessel built for YASA, the project team aimed for "three cancellations" and dock-out completeness. Key achievements included the successful installation of the semi-superstructure, which set a replicable standard for subsequent builds. Additionally, all cabin compartments achieved airtightness, and pre-launch inspections—such as generator load tests, boiler ignition, and rudder installation—were completed efficiently. The team also met the target of sandblasting three main cargo oil tanks within the shortest timeframe.
For the H1598 vessel, the keel-laying ceremony saw participation from Li Zhizhong, Cape Shipping, LR representatives, and company officials. The project team adhered to a "same-day problem resolution" principle, enhancing cross-department coordination and meticulous process control. By integrating production, design, quality, and safety management with detailed scheduling and shift mechanisms, the team advanced segment assembly, welding, and painting smoothly. Structural joint solutions were continuously optimized to ensure robust support, while round-the-clock communication with the owner’s inspection team guaranteed strict quality oversight. Through immediate implementation of design changes and optimized resource allocation, the team minimized delays and rework, accumulating valuable collaborative management experience for future projects.
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