Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry (BSHI) has launched what it claims to be the largest very large crude carrier (VLCC) in China.

BSHI said the oil tanker, which measures 332m in length and 60m in breadth, is the largest that can pass the Straits of Malacca.

The 320,000dwt vessel has been designed to maintain a speed of 16.1k, the Chinese shipbuilder said.

The company, which recently floated two 49,000dwt product oil tankers, said BW Maritime has ordered a pair of VLCCs at BSHI.

The tanker is also qualified with environment protection standards, BSHI said.