Chapter 454 Ice-breaking natural gas ship

 Huating, Chongming Island.

The sound of ping-ping-pong-pang-pong firecrackers started ringing, and the air was filled with the smell of sulfur.

When the sound of firecrackers passed, Qin Tao stood in front of the microphone, looked at the large crowd at the scene, and said excitedly: "Now, I announce that the Chongming Island Shipyard, a joint venture between Mingzhou Group and Sanhang Group, has officially begun operations! "

The two sides discussed the name of this shipyard for a long time. Qin Tao wanted to call it Mingzhou Second Shipyard, but Sanhang Group disagreed. They wanted to call it Sanhang Heavy Industry Shipyard, and Qin Tao also disagreed. Finally, You guys should just stop using the name of the group and just name it after the place here.

  Anyway, other shipyards have been relocated, and their original names, this Chongming Island Shipyard, are only used by them.

 In this way, the two sides finally had no dispute and the name was approved.

After intense construction, the slipway is finally completed, the gantry crane has been installed, the nearby factory buildings have been built, and the workers are in place. For those who just do what they say, even if the dock is still under construction, they can Work is about to begin.

Chongming Island Shipyard has just started construction!

“For us, this is a new beginning.” Mr. Li, the head of Sanhang Group, and Zheng Zhenze from Sanhang Heavy Industry both came over. Mr. Li came to the microphone and started speaking in the language of the Southern Kimchi Country.

“We will officially get involved in the LNG natural gas ship business through this shipyard. This type of ship is currently the most popular in the international market. Our Sanhang Group will also continue to achieve glory because of this project!”

 The workers from the Southern Pickle Country immediately cheered.

“Now, let’s cut the first steel plate!” This time it was the turn of Zhang Yang, the person in charge of the shipyard.

After his words, the plasma cutting machine began to move. Amid everyone's cheers, the first steel plate was cut into the corresponding graphics, and the workers returned to their posts, ready to enter work.

 The lively groundbreaking ceremony ended like this.

 The meeting room in the shipyard quickly became lively.

“Mr. Qin, we are very happy that the Chongming Island Shipyard has finally started construction, and we can also start the production of LNG ships!” Mr. Li said with a smile.

"Yes, this type of ship is currently in the highest demand in the world, and demand has always been in short supply. By opening this shipyard, we can provide more ships for a large number of ship owners. It can also be regarded as our contribution to world environmental protection. Contribution." Qin Tao nodded.

The two sides were discussing passionately when Xu Zhengyang walked in and whispered a few words in Qin Tao's ear.

“What kind of icebreakers? We can’t even produce ordinary natural gas ships, so what kind of icebreakers are there?”

“But, your relationship with Damao has always been very good. Are you really not going to agree to their request?” Xu Zhengyang was a little worried.

"Damao's customers? Tell them that the order has been scheduled for three years. If they want to place an order, if they place a deposit now, we can only schedule production in three years. They will not be able to get the ship until five years later. Moreover, we also If it does not guarantee sufficient ice-breaking ability, we will not be responsible for it if it crashes."

Xu Zhengyang nodded and went out.

Mr. Li and Zheng Zhenze were overjoyed.

 They feel they can’t sit still in the meeting room.

 Half an hour later, the friendly talks between the two parties finally ended, and Mr. Li and Zheng Zhenze immediately left by car.

"This market is very unfriendly. Some old factories have continuous orders, but new factories are suspected and it is difficult to receive orders." Zheng Zhenze said excitedly: "Especially our three heavy industries have just begun to involve in the manufacturing of natural gas ships. Those Shipowners must be skeptical, and it will be difficult for us to start from scratch, but now, we have an opportunity!”

“That’s right, as long as we take over the orders for these ships from Damao, we can officially enter this market!”

“The ice-breaking type is nothing special. We only need to increase the strength of the steel and increase the power of the engine according to the design drawings of the Mingzhou Group to achieve the ice-breaking function!” Zheng Zhenze said: “We have rich experience!”

“Now, it depends on whether Damao can believe us. After all, we have not built an ice-breaking natural gas ship yet.”

“They have no other choice. There is no shipyard to build ice-breaking natural gas ships for them. They can only ask us for help!” Zheng Zhenze was extremely excited at this time.

Chongming Island Shipyard has started construction, and the orders are ready. If Mingzhou Group cannot build it, it can just allocate part of it. However, even if this shipyard has shares in Sanhang Heavy Industry, in the eyes of outsiders, it still belongs to Mingzhou Group.

If Sanhang Heavy Industries wants to start building natural gas ships in its local shipyards, it will not only have to bring back a large number of skilled Yinwa Steel welders from Chongming Island Shipyard, but it will also not only have to purchase some advanced automatic welding equipment The most important thing about equipment is to make users recognize that they have this ability!

 This is the crucial first step!

They must enter this market as soon as possible, because in China, more and more shipyards are beginning to introduce Mingzhou Group’s patents and enter the field of natural gas ships. If they cannot gain a foothold in this market as soon as possible, they may lose everything. miss a meal.

 For them, this is an opportunity, an opportunity that must not be missed!

  Huating International Hotel, third floor.

Mr. Li and Zheng Zhenze knocked on the door, and several old men appeared inside.

"Hello everyone, we are from the Sanhang Group and we want to talk to you about the natural gas ships." Zheng Zhenze said: "The person next to me is the person in charge of our Sanhang Group. You may have seen him on TV and in newspapers. Pass him."

 “Mr. Li?” Lao Maozi on the opposite side looked at the visitor in surprise: “Please come in!”

"We are sent by the Modern Merchant Shipping Company." After sitting down, the old man opposite said: "I am Tukovedov, the person in charge of this procurement project."

 Hyundai Merchant Shipping Company, the largest maritime transportation company in the country? Mr. Li and Zheng Zhenze were both very excited. It seemed that they had found the right person when they took the initiative to come looking for him!

"Our company has also realized that natural gas will play an increasing role in future energy sources. Therefore, we want to obtain a large number of natural gas ships. In order to use them in high latitudes in our country, we need them to have ice-breaking capabilities. After all, , each of our domestic companies has been operating independently, and if we have to hire an icebreaker every time to clear the way, the cost will be huge." Tukovydov explained.

 In the world, apart from Damao and Maple Leaf Country, it is estimated that there is no third country that needs to use icebreakers on a large scale.

 In the past, if any large-scale ship wanted to sail into frozen areas, it could just use icebreakers to clear the way. After all, we are all a family, but that is not possible now. If you want to use it, you have to spend money!

“We can help. We have rich experience in ship design. Just last year, we just received an order for an ice-breaking shuttle tanker.” Zheng Zhenze said: “We can also complete the design of ice-breaking natural gas ships.”

"I'm sorry, I don't think I've heard that you are still producing natural gas ships." Tukovedov had a questioning look on his face.

"Yes, we did not produce it in the past, but it is different now. We have introduced a full set of technologies from Mingzhou Group, and the Chongming Island Shipyard, which we jointly established with Mingzhou Group, has also When formal production begins, it will mainly produce natural gas carriers. Our domestic shipyards are about to start producing natural gas carriers. You don’t have to trust us, but don’t you still trust Mingzhou Group?”

　　After pulling out the tiger skin of Mingzhou Group, the old man on the other side really began to believe it.

“So, we can talk about it in detail. What we need is Arc7 ice class and an ice-breaking capacity of at least 2.1 meters. The load capacity must be at least more than 80,000 tons. Do you know how this should be designed?”

"Of course, icebreakers are very different from ordinary ships. Their hulls need to be wider, so that they can easily break through the ice and open up channels. According to the load capacity you mentioned, if converted into volume, the hull's The length must be at least three hundred meters, and the width should be about fifty meters.”

 Ordinary ships have a length-to-width ratio of about ten, but icebreakers need to be lowered to about six or seven, which is more convenient.

 Supposedly, if the ship has a larger length-to-width ratio and is slender, like an awl, wouldn't it be able to break the ice better?

It is indeed easy to break through the ice, but it is not easy to maintain it. For a slender ship, the passage is narrow. Just after breaking through, the ice froze again not long after, and maybe even the ship was frozen. If you can't move forward, how can you start?

 Only by opening a channel wide enough can the ship continue to move forward.

At the same time, the slender hull has obviously insufficient structural rigidity and may not be able to withstand the force of the impact. The ship can be made wider and stronger.

Hearing what the other party said, Tukovidov nodded: "You are right, it must be designed this way. So, what about the ship's power system?"

"The carrying capacity exceeds 80,000 tons. The ship as a whole needs to be strengthened and the total weight will exceed 100,000 tons. Then its power will need at least 45 megawatts." Zheng Zhenze is a veteran in this field and quickly calculated the specific data. : "We should use two engines for it. At low speeds, just use an ordinary small engine to save fuel. When it needs to break ice, use a high-power engine. The small engine can be a diesel engine, and the large engine can be Gas turbines, but these engines can burn natural gas, which saves money.”

For shipowners, the first consideration is economic benefits. Therefore, a 100,000-ton giant ship only has an engine of tens of thousands of horsepower. It even uses a low-speed diesel engine that can burn heavy oil. How can it be cheap? After all, fuel consumption is also a factor. Very important shipping costs.

 However, icebreakers are different.

An icebreaker of several thousand tons requires an engine of several megawatts, which can drive the icebreaker to a high enough speed in a short distance, either directly hitting the ice or driving directly onto the ice. Then the ice is crushed by the gravity of the hull.

The engine power is not enough, everything is in vain.

 A natural gas ship of 100,000 tons requires a 45-megawatt engine, which is almost the same as the power of a warship, alternating between fire and engine.

"In terms of engines, we also have many choices. We can install engines from the United States, Britain, and island countries on it. Of course, different engines have different prices. You can choose according to your needs."

 Tukovedov nodded: "Okay, then we can consider you building us natural gas icebreakers. We need eight."

 Eight ships!

 Order eight ships at one time!

 This is a big deal!

Mr. Li and Zheng Zhenze were both very excited.

“Please rest assured that our design capabilities are first-class and our production capabilities are advanced, and we will definitely satisfy you.”

“So, when can you deliver the goods?”

"Three years later." Zheng Zhenze did a simple calculation and then said: "After three years, we can deliver four ships, and the other four ships can be delivered within five years."

Shipbuilding is not a car, it takes a long time, and a three-year construction period is nothing, especially considering that it is a natural gas ship with the most technical difficulty.

“Three years later, all eight of our ships need to be produced!” Tukovedov said: “We can’t wait too long.”

 Three years and eight ships?

 Actually, they can produce hull engines and other things. The key is Invar Steel’s liquid cargo fence system. This thing is uncertain!

You must know that according to the agreement, their workers need to stay here for a long time to engage in production. It will also take time for these workers to return to China after completing their studies and reproduce the liquid cargo fence system of Invar Steel.

 It’s simply too late!

 “Mr. Tukovedov, please let us think about it.”

“Okay, let’s go out to eat first, and when we come back from dinner, we hope to get an answer.”

Mr. Li and Zheng Zhenze originally had a headache how to discuss in private. Now that the people in this room are gone, it is great for them.

Sent away a few old men, the people of Nanjianchi who occupied the magpie's nest immediately began to study it.

"We only have one year, and we can't produce the liquid cargo fence system for eight ships anyway. Even since production has just started, there are various problems. It would be great to be able to produce just one." Zheng Zhenze said .

"However, the three-year delivery requirement they put forward is necessary."

"Can we order from Mingzhou Group?" Finally, Zheng Zhenze thought of this trick: "We only produce hulls, and give the liquid cargo fence systems of these eight ships to Mingzhou Group for production, and then assemble them at our place? "

 “Order? What do we earn?”

"Earn reputation." Zheng Zhenze said: "As long as we complete this production, we will gain a reputation. We will be able to receive a large number of orders in the future, and we can also produce liquid cargo fence systems. Even if we do not make money, we will You can do it.”

"In short, the sooner we enter this market, the better. Moreover, if we stand out and can produce ice-breaking natural gas ships, we will also open up the market in this area in the future. I heard that both Damao and China are looking forward to opening up the Arctic." air routes, shortening transportation miles.”

Mr. Li nodded: "Then we need to confirm it with Mingzhou Group first."

 This is very risky. What if their hull is produced and the cargo fence system fails to catch up? If the delivery date is delayed and the shipowner abandons the ship, their losses will be heavy.

 After saying that, Mr. Li took out the phone.

 After the call was connected, Mr. Li started talking to the person on the other side.

Of course he didn't call Qin Tao, and he didn't know Qin Tao's phone number. He could only call Qin Tao's secretary Xu Zhengyang first, so that Xu Zhengyang could communicate with him directly without an interpreter.

 After the beating, you have to wait for the results.

 Time passed little by little, and when Mr. Li and Zheng Zhenze began to feel disappointed, the call finally came back.

“Hello, Mr. Li, our Mr. Qin has decided to agree to your request after careful consideration. Mr. Qin attaches great importance to the friendship between our two groups and hopes that we can cooperate happily in the future.”

“Yes. Thank you very much.” Mr. Li was very happy.

Just after the call was made, the door was opened, and Tukovedov and others had already come in from the outside.

"Mr. Tukovedov, regarding the ship booking date you proposed, we think we are capable of achieving it, and we can talk about something specific." Mr. Li smiled.

On the other side, Xu Zhengyang put down the phone and looked at Qin Tao with complicated eyes.

Just like that, Sanhang Heavy Industry jumped into the trap? This operation might even put Sanhang Heavy Industry into bankruptcy?

Qin Tao had a smile on his face: "What's the matter, Zhengyang, do you have something to say?"

 “Mr. Qin, your methods are too powerful.” Xu Zhengyang said.

"What are these? They are all small tricks commonly used in the world. Give the other party something they can't eat and stuff the other party to death. In fact, you can't blame us, you have to blame them for being too greedy. People, no matter when the time comes, you have to Remember, don’t be greedy.”

"Mr. Qin, I'm still a little confused. Even if I gave them an order for eight natural gas ships, they couldn't afford it, but they are not stupid. They will definitely take all kinds of issues into consideration, including signing the contract and various terms. It will be very detailed, and it is impossible for us to delay the delivery of those liquid cargo fence systems made by Invar Steel."

"We have no intention of delaying. We must deliver the work on time, otherwise we will not make any money." Qin Tao said, "Moreover, we can also weld at the Chongming Island Shipyard, let their own workers participate, and let them put in a hundred A heart."

 Still have to deliver the work on time? Then how to cheat the other party?

 At this time, Xu Zhengyang had a look of shock on his face.

“You should know that in all contracts, we will include a force majeure factor, right?”

Xu Zhengyang nodded: "So what? Will there be a force majeure factor at that time?"

"Congratulations on getting the answer right." Qin Tao's answer was full of ridicule.

 According to convention, when a ship owner orders a ship, it is enough to pay a 20% deposit, and then a part of it will be paid when it is launched, and the entire balance will be paid after the ship is launched.

 However, as long as the deposit is paid, the shipyard has to produce eight natural gas ships. The cost of building eight natural gas ships is quite expensive, especially the icebreaking type, which is more expensive than ordinary natural gas ships. Even the running costs are high.

At that time, there will be a force majeure factor. If Damao’s Modern Merchant Shipping Company does not take over the ship, the other party will have to throw these ships into their hands, and there will be no second ship owner to come back to buy them.

Even if Sanhang Heavy Industry sells it at a low price, it will not work, because this kind of ship has been strengthened when it was built, the hull is too heavy, and extra engines are added at the back, and the operating cost is too high.

 As a result, the Three Industries Heavy Industries not only failed to make any money, but also suffered a loss of blood.

 However, relying on these alone, it is impossible for Sanxing Heavy Industries to collapse!

Xu Zhengyang still doesn’t understand.

Qin Tao said with a smile: "This is just the beginning. In another two years, there will be more demand for natural gas ships. There are huge orders in the market. Sanhang Heavy Industry will definitely receive a large number of orders. By then, one of their ships will If they can’t be built, the compensation alone will put them out of business completely.”

 Eight ships are nothing, this is just the beginning.

 The means in the future are more important.

 Can’t make even one?

Xu Zhengyang suddenly reacted: "Mr. Qin, when the time comes, won't we provide them with Yinwa steel?"

 If you want to build this kind of membrane-type natural gas ship, you need Invar Steel to make the shielding layer. If orders increase significantly, the demand for Invar Steel will also increase, but production is certain.

There are only two factories in the world that can produce. The one in Europe will definitely be given priority to European shipyards. The one in Mingzhou will of course be given priority to domestic companies. By then, Sanhang Heavy Industry will have orders and there will be no Yinwa Steel. , and cannot be produced.

Xu Zhengyang suddenly thought of this idea.

Qin Tao nodded: "That's right, but it's just a small trick."

Is this still a small trick?

So what are the big measures?

 Qin Tao didn't say anything, just smiled.

 Everything was for that point in 1998, which happened to be the Asian financial crisis! At that time, even Sanhang Group did not have the funds to save Sanhang Heavy Industry, so there was no other way out for Sanhang Heavy Industry except bankruptcy.

While speaking, the phone rang again.

Xu Zhengyang finished answering the phone and said to Qin Tao: "Mr. Qin, Mr. Li called and asked to meet with you again to sign the contract."

"Of course there is no problem. We will take this opportunity to impress them and ask them to quickly transport the equipment that our chip factory needs. Our factory is almost completed, the equipment has been installed, and after debugging, it will be put into production. .”

In the cooperation with the Sanhang Group, the shipyard is only incidental. The important thing is the chip factory. In Qin Tao's plan, this chip factory will be even more important. Although shipbuilding and chip manufacturing are not part of his real job, he must make arrangements in advance. After all, the chip factory Once the industrial gap widens, it will not be easy to narrow it again.

 Qin Tao is full of expectations for SMIC. Now that there is a good opportunity, Sanhang Group will definitely not delay any longer.

Xu Zhengyang nodded: "Then I will invite the person in charge of SMIC to come over."

 (End of this chapter)