Scorpio Tankers orders six new eco tankers
New York listed Scorpio Tankers Inc. (Scorpio Tankers) today announced it has ordered six new 'eco' tanker newbuildings, with a fixed price option to build eight more, Ship & Bunker reports.
"We are pleased to announce the agreements for six additional 'eco' newbuildings, plus fixed-price options, subsequent to our recently completed equity offering," said Emanuele Lauro, Scorpio Tankers' chief executive officer and chairman of the board.
"We are delighted by the support of our shareholders as we establish a leading position in the product tanker market. As we approach what is traditionally the strongest season, we are seeing stronger rates across all of our sectors."
The six MR product tankers are scheduled to be delivered in the second and third quarters of 2014.
The company exercised an existing option it had with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd. of South Korea for the construction of two of the vessels, and says it has signed a letter of intent with SPP Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. of South Korea for the construction of the additional four.
The fixed-price options for the eight additional vessels is priced at approximately $33.0 million.
Last week Ship & Bunker reported that Scorpio Tankers was looking to raise $131.8 million with an offering of 21.6 million shares of its common stock, a move that raised speculation that it planned to invest in more fuel efficient tankers.