AET – one of the world’s largest petroleum tanker owner-operators – signed contracts for eight new vessels in a deal valued at approximately USD 500 million. Yesterday, AET contracted with Samsung Heavy Industries Co Ltd (SHI) for four Aframax vessels of 113,000 dwt to be delivered in 2018, the company said in its press release.
A further contract was signed today with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd (HHI) for two LR2 product vessels of 114,000 dwt and two Suezmax vessels of 158,000 dwt which will be delivered in 2017.
The two LR2 product vessels are tied to long term time charters which AET has been awarded with a strategic oil major client. The six other new builds will replace older tonnage in the AET fleet and re-balance the fleet profile ensuring AET continues to deliver optimum solutions for its customers.
In line with AET policy, the new vessels will be fitted with a range of latest eco-innovations to maximise fuel efficiency and their impact on the natural environment – this will enable them to be awarded the “green passport” notation. They will also be fitted with IMO compliant ballast water management systems.