Asia/Pacific News
Chinese Tanker Operator Orders Eight Eco-Bulkers
China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) has ordered eight fuel-saving dry bulk carriers with an option for four more, industry news site Seatrade Global reports.
CMES said the ships will save money through reduced fuel use and improved operational efficiency.
The company ordered two 64,000 dead-weight tonne (dwt) bulkers from CSSC Chengxi Shipyard, with an option for four more vessels, and six 61,000 dwt bulkers from Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering (Nacks) and Dalian Cosco KHI Ship Engineering (Dacks) at a total cost of $212 million.
The ships are scheduled for delivery between the third quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2016.
"The board believes that the latest newbuilding orders will significantly bolster the company's fleet size and market competitiveness," CMES said.
"The bulker fleet expansion will also help to optimise our fleet structure and diversify the risks from our core tanker shipping business."
The company announced in August that it had ordered four energy-saving very large crude carriers (VLCCs) from two Chinese shipyards.
