UK shipowner: China is a world leader in shipbuilding

China will deliver the world's first sail-assisted Aframax tanker to UK shipowner Union Maritime in one week's time. Unlike traditional tankers, the vessel is equipped with three 40-meter-long fiberglass sails that enable the use of wind power on the sea to save up to 15 percent of fuel consumption and reduce 45 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per day.

The ship's construction success has received praise from the shipowner. "China is a world leader in shipbuilding for a reason," said Laurent Cadji, chief executive of Union Maritime. "They deliver on their promises. They deliver on [the] owner's expectation." The company is now building over 50 new ships, mostly in China.