The second vessel Ursula Essberger, has just entered service and recently made first calls in Europe.

The second vessel Ursula Essberger, has just entered service and recently made first calls in Europe

The last of a series of three delayed Turkish built compact chemical oil tankers is due to be delivered soon - amidst praise by new German owners John T. Essberger (JTE).

Hugo Finlay, Director of Essberger Tankers, commented after the delivery of the first of the 99.4m long ships, Johann Essberger, earlier this year that he was very pleased with the quality of the vessel. “This ship is built to a very high standard and was delivered in excellent condition”, he said.

The builders are Turkey’s Eregli Shipyard and the second of the 5,300dwt, BV-classed series, Ursula Essberger, has just entered service and recently made its first calls in Europe. Earlier this year Essberger said the last of the three ships, Elsa Essberger, would be ready in November.

However, spokesman Svante Domizlaff told The Motorship the vessel is not now for delivery until “next year”. Acknowledging delivery delays he said the reason was because the 2009 orders were placed: “At a time when it was very difficult to find shipbuilding slots at favourable prices."

The Dutch flag ships are for crews of 17 and are double-hulled Class 11 chemical tankers carrying a total 6,368m3 in 12 stainless steel tanks. Equipped with a 150m3/hour Marflex cargo pumping system, they are 17.2m wide, draw 7m and are driven by MAN-B&W main engines, Type 8L32/40 of 4,000kW at 750rpm, developing 14 knots. They boast 390kW bow thrusters, power supply from 585kW diesel generators and a 130kW emergency diesel generator.

Essberger Tankers also has an 8,500dwt tanker on order with Eregli to follow the latest trio. Earlier this year the firm sold a number of older chemical tankers. It also increased its chemical tanker activities considerably by buying six modern 8,500dwt tankers along with their contract portfolios from rival shipowner UCT. The vessels, with stainless steel tanks, were built in 2004/2005.