“Vietnam’s Mighty Shipbuilder”: A 7,990-ton Vessel Sets Sail: Vietnamese Shipbuilding Goes Global

On August 9, 2025, Bach Dang Shipbuilding Company (a member of SBIC, the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Corporation) successfully launched the Great Whale, with the design label RT93-26.

The Great Whale is an international 9,300m3 chemical/oil tanker with a deadweight tonnage of 7,990 tons. The vessel was entirely constructed by the Bach Dang Shipbuilding Company, a large-scale enterprise and the “cradle” of Vietnam’s shipbuilding industry.

This event underscores the robust development of Vietnam’s shipbuilding sector, showcasing its ability to not only cater to the domestic market but also meet international standards.

“Bach Dang Shipbuilding Company is the cradle of ocean-going vessels, having brought glorious achievements and resounding victories in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland,” said Mr. Tu Minh Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of Bach Dang Shipbuilding Company, during the company’s 60th-anniversary celebration on July 20, 2024.

The “Made by Vietnam” Great Whale vessel meets IMO’s stringent environmental standards

As a chemical/oil tanker, the Great Whale not only meets stringent technical standards but also excels in environmental protection.

One of the key standards it adheres to is the ESP (Enhanced Survey Program) established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). ESP goes beyond operational safety, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the marine environment by minimizing the risk of pollution from maritime accidents.

One of ESP’s most notable advantages is its ability to reduce the risk of oil spills – a primary cause of marine pollution. For oil tankers like the Great Whale, ESP mandates enhanced surveys of corrosion-prone areas such as ballast water tanks and cargo holds, utilizing metal thickness measurements and protective coating inspections (PSPC).

By detecting structural defects early on, incidents like corrosion, hull rupture, or oil leakage can be prevented, thus averting maritime accidents and environmental pollution from oil spills or cargo spills, which could inflict severe damage to marine ecosystems, wildlife, and water resources.

Following major incidents like the Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989, which resulted in an environmental catastrophe with approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil spilled into the sea off Alaska, the ESP program was developed to enhance inspections and significantly reduce global oil spills from 1990 onwards, as reported by the IMO.

This not only safeguards the marine environment but also aligns with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), promulgated by the IMO.

Compared to conventional surveys, ESP stands out due to its higher level of detail, advanced preparation requirements (survey program submission six months prior to the special survey), and its focus on preventing environmental risks.