Chapter 270 The Power Of Twelve: Unraveling The Fleet
In the tranquil afternoon, Qiu Yang burst into Liu Yong's office brimming with excitement, his voice resonating through the room as he exclaimed, "Boss, I have meticulously handpicked a magnificent fleet comprising twelve colossal vessels, each surpassing the awe-inspiring mark of 100,000 tons, boasting a cumulative tonnage exceeding a staggering 2.2 million tons."
Eagerly, Liu Yong enthusiastically responded, "Oh, do show me which vessels you have chosen."
Qiu Yang had diligently organized the information beforehand, meticulously compiling a comprehensive dossier on each ship with elaborate descriptions and vivid colour photographs.
Each ship's character was meticulously presented, unveiling its distinct qualities such as its purpose, cargo capacity, colossal dimensions, birthplace, construction timeline, and even the number of successful voyages.
Immersed in these materials, Liu Yong meticulously perused each page, his satisfaction evident as he silently nodded in approval.
Without a doubt, these ships were undoubtedly a remarkable selection.
The essence of choice lies in its quality; undoubtedly, this was an excellent choice. Each ship was a behemoth of the seas, built within the past ten years, with the majority boasting a mere five-year lifespan. There were twelve vessels, of which seven were commissioned within the past five years.
Excellence personified!
Repeatedly, Liu Yong expressed his delight, demonstrating his profound satisfaction with these twelve majestic ships.
Among them were seven ocean-faring oil tankers, with the largest boasting an astonishing capacity of over 1.5 million barrels of crude oil. With less than three years of construction durations, they were unequivocally deemed new additions to the maritime realm.
Additionally, three container bulk carriers were included in this formidable fleet, with the largest capable of accommodating a staggering 13,000 standard containers.
The remaining two vessels were iron ore and coal bulk carriers, both hulking giants surpassing the 100,000-ton mark.
Happily, Qiu Yang interjected, "Luo Maoyuan's asking price is not exorbitant. I am confident that we can secure these ships at a 10% reduction from the prevailing market rates."
Indeed, this accomplishment should not be underestimated.
The combined value of these twelve vessels amounted to billions of yuan, constituting a momentous achievement that saved several hundred million yuan in the process. It felt like a windfall had been stumbled upon without exerting effort.
Most importantly, these twelve vessels addressed the pressing needs of the esteemed Global Shipping Group, serving as a catalyst for rapid expansion and propelling them into the coveted echelons of the ten-million-ton ocean shipping group.
The ten-million-ton threshold was a defining demarcation.
Any entity falling short of this threshold could hardly be deemed an oceanic behemoth. However, upon crossing this threshold, they would become bona fide shipping giants, joining the exclusive ranks of less than ten ocean shipping companies worldwide boasting a transportation capacity exceeding ten million tons.
With unbridled joy, Liu Yong exclaimed, "Regarding the price, represent our company and negotiate with Luo Maoyuan."
Confidently, Qiu Yang affirmed, "No problem. I can perceive Luo Maoyuan's eagerness to sell his vessels. Given that customers like us intend to acquire a substantial number of ships in one fell swoop, even if we negotiate a modest discount, he will undoubtedly accept our offer."
Furthermore, Qiu Yang added, "Boss, in addition to these twelve ships, they also possess a few exceptional vessels currently berthed outside domestic ports. I propose that we consider acquiring those as well."
Liu Yong, gesturing nonchalantly, replied, "Absolutely. If you believe these vessels hold merit, go ahead and procure them all. Our coffers brim with ample resources."
Undoubtedly, wealth and influence adorned their path.
Confidence radiated from every fibre of their beings.
Qiu Yang departed with a jubilant heart, while Liu Yong's countenance exuded a satisfied smile. The deal had been sealed, and it was a truly remarkable one.
Before long, the resonating voice of Bawang echoed within Liu Yong's mind, "Master, I have arrived."
Liu Yong activated his third eye, visualizing Bawang's presence near the seaside warehouse. It nestled at the bottom, submerged beneath tens of meters of azure depths, diligently scouring for its newest armament.
Familiar with the precise location of this newfound weapon, Liu Yong instantaneously discerned its whereabouts. He instructed Bawang, "To your right front, approximately 800 meters away, lies your new weapon."
Bawang swiftly propelled itself toward the designated coordinates, promptly locating the highly coveted weapon and deftly claiming it as its own.
Liu Yong cautioned, "Refrain from testing your new weapon in this shallow water. Seek deeper depths for experimentation."
With the newly acquired colossal spear clutched firmly, Bawang briskly swam towards a distant location. In one uninterrupted surge, it traversed hundreds of nautical miles, arriving at a region where the water depths surpassed hundreds of meters—a location deemed fit for its pursuits.
Bawang revelled in the joys of wielding its newfound weapon, displaying an insatiable appetite for playfulness. It indulged in its newfound delight for well over ten minutes, ceaselessly engaging with the gun before finally coming to a halt.
"Master, this weapon is truly magnificent. With it in my possession, I possess unwavering confidence in my ability to vanquish the 100-meter colossal crocodile," Bawang exclaimed with conviction.
Liu Yong concurred, saying, "Very well, as soon as news regarding the location of the 100-meter colossal crocodile surfaces, I shall promptly inform you."
With Bawang's current weight nearing a colossal 500 tons and wielding over 240 tons of armaments, it stood poised to confront the 100-meter behemoth head-on.
Relishing its newfound weapon, Bawang bid farewell, departing joyfully to its abode near the Tonga Trench.
For several consecutive days, the silence prevailed, shrouding any trace of the two crocodiles. It was as if they had vanished into thin air.
Where could they have gone?
Unbeknownst to many, the secret submarine base of the Fast Company harboured both reptilian behemoths. Within the expansive underground chamber, they lay dormant, biding their time.
They had made remarkable recoveries after receiving substantial care during this interim period. Ram Scott waved his hand and ordered, "Release both Number 1 and Number 2. Monitor their movements closely and relay the data promptly."
A voice interjected, seeking clarification, "Boss, do you mean to release them simultaneously?"
Ram Scott affirmed, "Indeed. Set them free simultaneously. They are now a cohesive team, moving in unison. Their proximity to each other should not exceed ten nautical miles."
They could provide mutual support by maintaining proximity should unforeseen circumstances arise.
Recalling their prior encounter, during which both returned with injuries—bearing wounds that bore the signature of a singular, enigmatic weapon—Ram Scott and his crew speculated that it must have been the covert creation of a mighty nation.
However, the notion of a giant snapping turtle wielding such weaponry was a notion they dismissed with incredulity.
Before long, the two colossal crocodiles exited the underground vault, resuming their aquatic sojourn.
In Ram Scott's office, a massive screen showcased a world map adorned with dots denoting the locations of the colossal crocodiles.
Amidst a ship's journey from South America to Yanguo, a vast vessel sailed the expansive ocean laden with over 200,000 tons of new iron ore.
This vessel, "Blessed," belonged to the Global Shipping Group. Freshly constructed at a fledgling shipyard a few months prior, this maiden voyage transported iron ore from South America back to its port of origin.
Captain Sun Zhou gazed upon the boundless horizon through his telescope, thoughts wandering within his mind. The weather proved impeccable that day—an antithesis to the previous day's torrential rain. The clear sky bore no trace of clouds, leaving behind only an expanse of vibrant blue.
The first mate, Jiang Botao, said, "Captain Sun, two-thirds of our voyage has been completed. We shall reach Hong Kong within a week at most."
Captain Sun nodded in agreement. "Indeed, everyone has toiled tirelessly. This voyage spans over 20,000 nautical miles and has occupied over a month of our lives. Nostalgia for home has long taken root within our hearts."
Anticipating their imminent return, Captain Sun looked forward to a well-deserved respite—ten days to a fortnight of blissful relaxation.
However, his countenance soon contorted as he noticed a peculiar sight on the ocean's surface. A dark silhouette emerged, resembling a colossal whale breaching the water's surface, yet its form defied the image of a whale.
Eager to ascertain the nature of this anomaly, Captain Sun hastily adjusted his binoculars, granting him a clearer view. What stood before him was no ordinary whale; instead, it bore a striking resemblance to a giant crocodile.