Samco names Sinochem as the third and final charterer of its new series of VLCCs

The Chinese industrial group will take the as yet unnamed 317,000-dwt newbuilding for five years when it comes off the blocks at Hyundai on 16 May. No rate was disclosed. Director Bengt Hermelin confirmed two previous vessels, one already delivered, had already been fixed to Vela International and Total. Samco paid a reported $78m for the three Hyundai tankers when they were ordered in 2004. Vela is said to be paying $43,000 per day, with options for a further three years at $49,000 per day. Total’s rate is said to be $35,000 per day to $36,000 per day, with a profit split on excess earnings.