The tanker shipping company Ardmore is expanding its fleet with a total of four additional handysize tankers. They are being built at the Wuhu Shipyard in China.
Back in May, the Bermuda-based shipping company had already placed an order for two vessels near Wuhu. The company has now exercised its options for two further newbuilds, bringing the total order to four vessels. The terms and conditions have remained the same for this ‘follow-up order’: Ardmore is paying $44.9 million per newbuild.
The product tankers, with a deadweight tonnage of 40,500 tdw, will fall into the handysize segment and are due to be delivered from the end of 2028. In addition, Ardmore has secured options on a further two vessels.
“We are delighted to take a further step in expanding our business with these extremely versatile, modern vessels,” said Gernot Ruppelt, CEO of Ardmore Shipping. “They fit perfectly with Ardmore’s long-term strategy, whilst at the same time deepening our collaboration with a first-class shipyard. We believe these orders offer excellent value for money, and the additional options give us flexibility for the second half of the year.”
Ardmore Shipping, founded in 2010, specialises in tanker shipping. The company’s fleet currently comprises 26 vessels, mostly medium-range tankers (45,000 to 50,000 tdw).
Wuhu Shipyard has also received orders from Europe this year; amongst other things, it is building three MPP heavy-lift vessels, each of 13,300 tdw, for the Nordic Hamburg Group. Furthermore, two MR2 product tankers currently under construction for Union Maritime will be fitted with Windwings sails and delivered between 2026 and 2027. (JW)
