Thun Tankers, part of the Gothia Tanker Alliance network, has exercised a newbuilding option for a fifth tanker in a series of 17,500 dwt IMO II product/chemical tankers at Avic Dingheng Shipbuilding Ltd in China.
The order marks a departure from its recent focus on LNG-fuelled vessels. Together with its Gothia Tanker Alliance partners Furetank Rederi AB and Rederi AB Älvtank, the company had been focusing on LNG with an order for six 16,300 dwt intermediate tankers with LNG propulsion. One of these six vessels will go to Thun, three to Furetank and two to Älvtank. These vessels, currently under construction, are being built at Avic Dingheng Shipbuilding, and will be delivered between 2018 and 2020.
The Erik Thun Group currently has 12 newbuildings on order. In addition to six Thun-owned intermediate size tankers being built, the group has contracted four 8,000 dwt tankers with LNG propulsion. These coasters will be built at Sheepswerf Ferus Smit in the Netherlands with delivery between 2018 and 2021.
Earlier this year Tanker Shipping & Trade reported on the ‘triple lock’ faced by Swedish owners with LNG-fuelled vessels.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.