“The growth of oil consumption in China is a major determinant in worldwide tanker demand and we are pleased to participate directly in this development with one of our modern DNA aframax vessels,” stated Mr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, President & Chief Executive Officer of TEN. “We hope that this fixture will further enhance our relationship with local chartering concerns and be our gateway to this major economy for additional opportunities in the future. Our modern and versatile fleet gives us confidence that this fixture will not stand in isolation once we strategically begin to redeploy our vessels in the longer term charter market,” Mr. Tsakos concluded.
Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd (TEN) is one of the largest transporters of energy in the world and controls a versatile fleet of modern crude and product tankers with strong ice-class capabilities. With a fleet of 49 vessels (45 operational and 4 under construction) TEN provides worldwide marine transportation services to state and international oil majors and refineries under long, medium and short-term charters. TEN operates a young fleet with an average age of 7.0 years, compared to the world’s average of 9.0 years. TEN ’s newbuildings are expected to be delivered between Q2 2010 and Q2 2011 and the resulting fleet will include 24 crude carriers and 24 product tankers, 23 of which can operate in ice-class environments, that together with the company’s LNG carrier will further enhance TEN’s position in international seaborne trades.