Petroleum tanker owner and operator AET has extended the partnership in the DP2 shuttle tanker sector with Petrobras, the Brazilian petroleum corporation.
AET, a wholly owned subsidiary of MISC Bhd, has been awarded a contract to own and operate four specialist DP2 Suezmax shuttle tankers on long-term charter by Petrobras. These new vessels will be in addition to the two AET DP2 ships currently on charter in the Brazilian Basin for Petrobras.
The four 152,000 dwt DP2 shuttle tankers will be built by an unnamed Korean shipyard, and once delivered in 2020, will be employed by Petrobras for operations in international and Brazilian waters.
The vessels, compliant to IMO NOx Tier 3 requirement, will be installed with a ballast water treatment system. Each will be equipped with high power thrusters and generators fully capable of operating in harsh weather conditions.
“AET’s focus on increasing its presence in the shuttle tanker business is consistent with the MISC Group’s priority of developing its portfolio of assets that generate long-term secured income on a recurring basis. This award goes to prove that growth remains possible for MISC despite the present challenging operating conditions for tanker operators,” Yee Yang Chien, President/Group CEO, MISC Berhad and Chairman, AET said.
“AET’s latest success in the shuttle tanker segment is another step forward in the MISC Group’s commitment in expanding its business presence in the Brazilian oil and gas industry, that includes the fast growing FPSO market.”