DNV and COSCO sign new class contract for methanol-ethanol ready KNOT shuttle tanker
Classification society DNV has signed a new contract with Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Zhoushan Shipyard (COSCO) during Nor-Shipping 2025 for the classification of a newly contracted methanol-ethanol ready Suezmax DP2 shuttle tanker ordered by Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers (KNOT). The vessel, part of a broader fleet expansion by KNOT, to be operated under charter to Norwegian energy major Equinor, marks the latest milestone in a long-standing collaboration between the companies.
The 154,000-deadweight-tonne (dwt) shuttle tanker features dual-fuel capability with methanol-readiness, and complies with IMO NOx-Tier III and EEDI Phase 3 regulations. The advanced vessel design is another demonstration of how technical innovation and global partnerships are enabling the maritime industry to meet environmental requirements, and enhance sustainability and safety, while remaining efficient and competitive.
Guo Zhiqiang, Deputy General Manager, Commercial Headquarters, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, said: “We, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry are pleased to see this great milestone achieved for the exciting project. We appreciate the trust and support from our partners, namely KNOT, DNV, and Equinor in the past years. COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry have delivered more than ten 154K DP shuttle tankers for KNOT together under the classification of DNV, and this project will be the first DP shuttle tanker we build for world first class oil major - Equinor. We are proud of it and committed to implement with our high QHSE standards during the project execution and deliver a most satisfied shuttle tanker to our partners. This new milestone is a new start, and we also look forward to seeing future cooperation among the parties.”
Tom Ketil Knutsen, General Manager Newbuiding & Innovation at KNOT added: “We are proud to attend the signing of a new contract between DNV and COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry (Zhoushan) Co., Ltd, for a 154.000 dwt DP2 Shuttle Tanker, set for delivery in early 2028. Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers are thrilled to mark this as another exciting chapter in the enduring relationship between DNV, Equinor and Knutsen - a partnership rooted in mutual trust and collaboration from our early beginning in the North Sea to our expansion into the Brazilian waters. This milestone not only strengthens our bond but also celebrates the continued success of our collaboration.”
Øyvind Pettersen, Head of the Technical Centre China at DNV Maritime, commented: “At DNV we are very pleased with the trust placed in us as the classification partner for this exciting new project, and to support the continued expansion of KNOT’s shuttle tanker fleet. Each COSCO newbuilding reflects a shared commitment from all partners to safer, lower-carbon, more efficient, and technically advanced offshore operations. We are committed to providing the independent assurance and technical standards that are helping to bring greater transparency and trust to these investments and look forward to continuing this productive cooperation. In addition, DNV extend our heartfelt congratulations to KNOT as they celebrate their 40th anniversary, made even more special by marking it here at Nor-Shipping.”
The vessel will be equipped with a fifth-generation bow loading system developed by McGregor, to enhance the safety and efficiency of loading from offshore production units in challenging sea conditions. In addition, it will be shore power ready and fitted with VOC prevention systems to reduce operational emissions. This is the sixth vessel in a current series of newbuilds placed by KNOT at COSCO, bringing the total number of DP2 Suezmax shuttle tankers ordered by KNOT at the yard to 12 vessels.