Greece's Athenian Sea Carriers prioritises AMP ahead of new fleet launch

The traditional Greek shipping company has embarked on a strategic shift under the leadership of experienced executive Jens Martin Jensen, moving away from the VLCC segment to focus exclusively on smaller tankers.

As part of this transition, Athenian Sea Carriers has launched a newbuilding programme for 10 18,500-dwt product/chemical tankers at China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry, with deliveries scheduled between July 2025 and January 2027.

The first of these, Captain M Kyriakou, was successfully launched in March.

’Green’ features take centre stage

While the vessels are being constructed to meet the latest environmental standards, Athenian Group chief executive Jens Martin Jensen told Riviera the most important feature is their full integration with alternative maritime power (AMP) – commonly known as shore power connection or cold ironing.

“We believe it is more logical and viable for vessels spending a lot of time in port – such as those on short voyages – to benefit by being able to use power produced ashore,” Mr Jensen said.

The vessels will also be equipped with electric cargo pumps, allowing cargo operations to run on shore-supplied electricity.

Furthermore, the new fleet will feature an eco-design main engine, expected to reduce fuel consumption at sea by approximately 40–50% compared with non-eco designs. Additional green technologies include a shaft generator and dual-fuel-ready engines, designed to be compatible with LNG and methanol, "should these green fuels become logistically and economically feasible in the future."

The Tier III-compliant vessels will also be equipped with an optimised hull, controllable pitch propeller mechanism, and waste heat recovery systems.

Athenian’s evolution

Athenian Sea Carriers’ last active vessel, 2013-built VLCC Captain X Kyriakou, was sold in the second half of 2024 – concluding a multi-year exit from the VLCC sector. Since then, the company has operated without a live fleet as it prepares for the arrival of its newbuildings.

The Kyriakou family’s involvement in shipping spans seven generations, dating back to 1852. Over the decades, Athenian Sea Carriers has built, managed and operated a wide array of tankers, ranging from intermediate-sized vessels to VLCCs.