Hamburg-based shipowner Ernst Russ AG is expanding its tanker fleet to six vessels with two additional newbuildings.
Beyond the four IMO type II chemical/product tankers of the intermediate class (18,500 dwt) acquired in April 2026, the shipowner has agreed to acquire two further sister vessels.
This brings the fleet of this vessel type to a total of six units. The delivery of the first vessel is expected in the coming days, with the second vessel to follow by the end of 2026.
Like the four tankers already acquired, the two new vessels are being built at Wuhu Shipyard Co., Ltd. in China.
The vessels, having a methanol-ready design, will feature twelve MarineLINE-coated tanks, enabling the transport of a wide range of cargoes, from vegetable oils to petroleum products and chemicals.
A charter of at least three years from delivery has been agreed with Cargill for both vessels.
As part of this transaction, the charter backlog increases by a further approximately $38.3m. The company said financing for both vessels has been secured on “attractive terms.”
“With the expansion of our tanker segment, we are consistently continuing our growth strategy,” said Joseph Schuchmann, co-CEO and chief commercial officer of Ernst Russ AG. “The tanker market remains a segment with structural attractiveness and long-term value creation potential for us. The three-year fixed charters for the two new vessels are deliberately staggered against the five-year contracts for the first four units, spreading out future renewal negotiations and securing flexibility for us.”
