Reviews & Ratings for the Twin-Castor

On November 7, 2013, a momentous event took place as Russia celebrated the naming ceremony for its inaugural Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), the Svet. This impressive 320,000-deadweight ton vessel was constructed by Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry, located in Huludao, China. The Svet marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sovcomflot OJSC, as it represents the first vessel in a series ordered for the international transportation of substantial crude oil quantities. Notably, the capability to construct vessels of this magnitude domestically in Russia remains unachievable at this time, according to the Sovcomflot press center. As a global powerhouse in the product carrier industry, as well as in the Aframax and Suezmax tanker categories, SCF's new venture signifies a strategic expansion into the large tonnage segment with the introduction of VLCC tankers, which have a deadweight exceeding 300,000 tonnes. The Svet has been built to meet both domestic and international safety standards and is certified by Det Norske Veritas, ensuring that it can operate without limitations in navigation areas. The vessel is set to engage in crude oil shipping under long-term time charter agreements with PetroChina International, a division of the China National Petroleum Corporation. An agreement was reached between the two companies in December 2011, allowing for the transportation of crude oil from regions such as the Middle East, West Africa, and Venezuela to China using the SCF tanker fleet. This groundbreaking development showcases the evolving landscape of maritime shipping and the significant role that Russia is poised to play in the global oil transportation market.