The Greek tanker owner Performance Shipping led-by chairperson of its board Aliki Paliou has reported the naming and delivery of its first LR2 aframax newbuilding, P. Massport, constructed at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding in China.
The naming ceremony was held at the shipyard, with Ms. Nicole Gummerus serving as the vessel’s godmother. In line with maritime tradition, she blessed the vessel and wished her crew safe and successful voyages.
The Nasdaq-listed company said the vessel is a 114,000-dwt LNG-ready Tier III product/crude oil tanker, the first of three LNG-ready, scrubber-fitted LR2 aframax tankers ordered by the company and scheduled for delivery between the third quarter of 2025 and early 2026.
As it is reported, all three vessels have secured five-year charter contracts with Clearlake Shipping, a subsidiary of the Gunvor Group, one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses.
Following delivery to the company, the P. Massport was delivered to the charterer. The vessel has commenced operations under the five-year time charter contract at a gross rate of $31,000 per day, with options for a sixth and seventh year at a base rate plus profit-sharing.
Andreas Michalopoulos, the company’s chief executive officer, stated: “This marks the kick-off of a series of newbuilding tanker deliveries for Performance Shipping Inc., which will see the addition of two further sister LR2 Aframax vessels through early 2026 and an LR1 tanker in early 2027.
“Together, these modern vessels form a core part of the company’s strategic fleet expansion and renewal plan. We are proud to introduce this state-of-the-art tanker to our fleet and honored to commence this charter with Clearlake Shipping.
“We would also like to express our appreciation to Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, one of the world’s leading shipyards, for their outstanding craftsmanship and technical expertise in building this high-specification vessel. We wholeheartedly wish the M/T P. Massport and her crew fair winds and calm seas.”
