Chemical tankers carry cargo that ordinary tank coatings can’t touch — acids, solvents, edible oils, specialty chemicals — and Golden Shipyard currently offers chemical tankers for sale as newbuildings to order, from 15,200 to 25,900 DWT. This page is your starting point: what’s available, what the IMO type system actually means for what you can carry, and what to check before you commit to a build slot.
Chemical tankers for sale — current newbuildings
Both units currently on offer are newbuilding only — available to order for 2026 delivery, with no in-stock secondhand tonnage in this category at present:
| Reference | DWT / GT | LOA | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-CH-15200 | ~15,200 DWT / ~10,100 GT | 139.8 m | Newbuilding, 2026 delivery |
| GS-CH-25900 | ~25,900 DWT / ~17,000 GT | 159.0 m | Newbuilding, 2026 delivery |
Both sit at the small end of the MR size band — small enough for a wide range of chemical and specialty-cargo terminals. See the full, up-to-date list on our chemical tankers for sale page — availability changes as slots are booked and new listings are added, including any future secondhand tonnage.
IMO II vs. III — the classification that decides what you can carry
Both units are offered to IMO Type II/III specification, the classification system that actually determines cargo eligibility, not the DWT figure:
- IMO Type II — for cargoes that pose a moderate hazard, requiring a higher standard of tank containment and survivability in a collision or grounding. Covers a broad range of chemicals and some vegetable/edible oils.
- IMO Type III — for cargoes with an inherently lower hazard profile, permitting a less stringent containment standard. Typically used for less aggressive chemicals, edible oils and clean petroleum products.
A single hull built to the higher Type II standard can trade down into Type III cargoes, which is why most newbuild orders in this size band specify II/III capability rather than III alone — it maximises the cargo list a single ship can fix against.
What to look for in a chemical tanker
When you compare chemical tankers for sale, the value drivers are:
- Tank material — stainless steel vs. coated — 316L stainless tanks handle the widest range of aggressive chemicals and never need recoating, at a higher build cost; epoxy- or zinc-coated tanks cost less but restrict the cargo list and need periodic recoating.
- Number of segregations — more independent tanks, lines and pumps mean more different cargoes carried at once without cross-contamination, directly driving how many parcels a single voyage can fix.
- IMO type approval matched to your cargo list — check the vessel’s actual type certificate against the specific chemicals you intend to carry, not just “chemical tanker” as a category.
- Pump and heating arrangement — independent deepwell pumps per tank and heating coils for viscous or temperature-sensitive cargoes.
- IBC Code compliance — the IMO’s International Bulk Chemical Code governs construction and equipment for the specific chemicals carried; full compliance documentation should come with the vessel’s class records.
Tip: Don’t order to a DWT target alone. A smaller, highly segregated stainless tanker can out-earn a larger coated one on the right chemical trade, because segregation and tank material — not deadweight — decide how many parcels you can fix per voyage. See our chemical tanker buyer’s guide for the full IBC-Code checklist.
How much does a chemical tanker cost?
Every chemical tanker for sale here is offered on the same basis: full particulars to qualified buyers, price on application. Chemical tanker pricing moves with tank material, segregation count, IMO type and build slot, so units are offered on a P.O.A. (price on application) basis. GA drawings, full specification and class records are released to qualified buyers under an NDA, with each design vetted by our in-house technical team. Tell us your cargo list and preferred delivery window and we’ll match you to the right specification.
How to order and buy
1. Browse the chemical tankers for sale list and confirm DWT and delivery slot fit your trade. 2. Request full particulars under NDA — GA drawing, tank plan, and IMO type certification. 3. Confirm cargo fit — check your specific chemical list against the vessel’s type approval and IBC Code documentation. 4. Close and supervise through a standard newbuilding contract with our brokerage support, including site supervision through delivery.
Quick buying checklist
- ☐ DWT and delivery slot matched to your trade (15,200 / 25,900 DWT, 2026)
- ☐ Stainless (316L) vs. coated tanks decided against your cargo list
- ☐ Segregation count checked against how many parcels you need to carry at once
- ☐ IMO Type II/III certification confirmed against specific chemicals carried
- ☐ Pump and heating arrangement suited to your cargo viscosity/temperature needs
- ☐ IBC Code compliance documentation requested
- ☐ Full particulars and GA drawing requested under NDA
Frequently asked questions
What chemical tankers do you have for sale? Golden Shipyard currently offers chemical tanker newbuildings at approximately 15,200 and 25,900 DWT, both IMO Type II/III specification with 2026 delivery. See the current list on our chemical tankers for sale page, as availability changes.
Do you have secondhand chemical tankers, or only newbuildings? The current listings are newbuilding only. Contact us with your target size and cargo list and we’ll flag matching secondhand tonnage as it comes to market.
How much does a chemical tanker cost? Prices depend on tank material, segregation count, IMO type and build slot, so units are offered P.O.A. (price on application). Full particulars are shared with qualified buyers under an NDA.
What’s the difference between IMO Type II and Type III? Type II covers moderate-hazard cargoes and requires a higher standard of tank containment and collision/grounding survivability; Type III covers lower-hazard cargoes under a less stringent standard. A II/III-rated hull can trade both, maximising the cargo list a single ship can fix.
Looking for a chemical tanker? Golden Shipyard has chemical tanker newbuildings for sale from 15,200 to 25,900 DWT, IMO Type II/III. Browse current availability on our chemical tankers for sale page, or email [email protected] with your cargo list and target size to receive full particulars under NDA.