Italian product tanker operator d’Amico International Shipping S.A. sealed a shipbuilding contract through its operating subsidiary d’Amico Tankers D.A.C. (Ireland) with Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited (China) for the purThe Great Eastern Shipping Company Limited (G E Shipping) is optimising its fleet by selling the Jag Vishnu, acquiring a second-hand VLGC and an ultramax dry bulk carrier,chase of two 40,000-dwt MR1 product tankers at a contract price of $43.2m each.
The Milan- and OTCQX- listed company said the delivery of the vessels to d’Amico Tankers is expected in April and July 2029, respectively.
In addition, d’Amico Tankers has an option, exercisable within three months of signing the shipbuilding contract, to order one or two additional ships of the same type.
Currently, DIS’ fleet comprises 29 double-hulled product tankers (MR, handysize and LR1, of which 27 owned, and 2 bareboat chartered-in) with an average age of about 9.5 years for its owned and bareboat chartered-in vessels.
Carlos di Mottola, chief executive officer of d’Amico International Shipping, stated: “I am pleased to announce our agreement to build two top-quality, ‘eco-design’ MR1 tankers at a highly reputable shipyard.
“These will be by far the most efficient MR1s in our fleet, consuming at their design draft and at the engine’s normal continuous rating, around 4.0 mts of fuel oil per day less (~20% less), while being able to transport around 4 thousand cubic meters more (~8% more), than our already efficient ‘eco-design’ MR1s on the water.
“These GSI built MR1s will also be methanol ready, certified to burn biofuels, cyber resilient and ready to receive onshore power. This investment of approximately US$86.4 million is part of our fleet renewal, following the sale of our four oldest vessels in the last two years; it reinforces our long-term strategy of operating a modern, environmentally efficient fleet.
“With a very limited orderbook and a rapidly ageing fleet in this segment, as well as sustained interest for MR1s from major charterers, these vessels will further strengthen our competitive position.”
