Hamburg-based shipowner Ernst Russ AG has agreed to acquire four 18,500 dwt intermediate-class chemical/product tankers as it continues to advance the strategic development of its fleet.
All four vessel newbuildings are backed with fixed charters of at least five years from delivery and extension options.
The shipowner said the charter backlog of the Ernst Russ Group increases by approximately $126 m.
The four IMO Type II units, built at Wuhu Shipyard in China, will be fitted with 12 tanks with MarineLINE coating to enable the transport of a wide range of cargo, from vegetable oils to petroleum products and chemicals.
They will also feature methanol-ready design and Ice Class 1B and Great Lakes capability, giving access to niche markets.
The first two vessels will be delivered between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027, with the remaining two vessels scheduled for delivery between the first and second quarter of 2027.
The deal marks Ernst Russ AG’s entry into the tanker segment, a strategic move towards diversification across multiple shipping segments.
“The segment we are investing in offers structural attractiveness: supply is limited, demand for modern tonnage is growing, and access to niche markets with restrictive approval requirements gives us a genuine competitive advantage – the foundation for attractive long-term returns,” said Joseph Schuchmann, co-chief executive officer and chief commercial officer of Ernst Russ AG.
The shipowner currently owns a fleet portfolio of 27 vessels, partly operated with strategic partners, and has two additional vessels on order.
The focus is on container vessels ranging from 700 to 4,200 teu, complemented by a larger 13,400 teu container vessel, three multipurpose vessels, and a handysize bulker.
