ES Group launches 3,400 dwt bunker tanker
ES Group had on Saturday launched the first of its two 3,400 dwt bunker tankers, marking a major milestone to establish its vessel-owning and chartering business, Seatrade Asia online reports.
The launch of the bunker tanker, constructed at ES Group's 50% owned subsidiary's shipyard in Thailand, is a move beyond its core business of new building, conversion and repair of ocean-going vessels.
The bunker tanker Sea Tanker I, upon delivery in the third quarter of 2012, will be chartered to Sea Hub Tankers on a long-term basis to operate in Southeast Asian waters.
The second bunker tanker is scheduled for completion and deployment in the second half of this year.
“With Singapore as a shipping hub and the world's largest bunker port by sales volume, we see growth opportunities in bunkering. Venturing into vessel-owning and chartering will allow the group to ride on the growth in this expanding industry,” said Christopher Low, ceo of ES Group.