Maran Tankers Management, part of Greek shipping major Angelicoussis Shipping Group, has returned to South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) for four additional very large crude carriers (VLCC).
The four 318,000-ton VLCC, featuring 336 meters in length and 60 meters in width, will feature the same specifications as those three ordered in April , DSME said.
In addition, the newbuilds will comply with the latest IMO environmental regulations, according to DSME, which plans to install high-efficiency engines and the latest fuel-saving technologies in the ships.
The value of the deal was not disclosed, however, Angelicoussis paid around USD 80 million per VLCC in his previous order, which is likely the price tag for the latest fleet additions.
Angelicoussis Shipping Group kept busy with fleet renovation efforts over the past year, ordering five LNG carriers, two VLCCs, and one LNG-FSRU at DSME, despite the financial troubles faced by the yard.
The South Korean shipbuilder said that it expects to regain financial strength in the second half of this year as more orders are anticipated to be placed.
The duo has maintained close ties since their first transaction back in 1994, with a total of 96 vessels ordered by Angelicoussis at DSME since then.
Currently, 17 vessels are being built at DSME yards.
World Maritime News Staff