10.04.2008 - Sovcomflot books tankers at Hyundai Samho yard
Russian shipping giant Sovcomflot is again boosting its tanker fleet and has placed an order for two 114,000-dwt vessels at Hyundai Samho Shipyard in South Korea.
The deal also includes an option for another two sisterships, all built to ice-class-1A specifications.
The first two ships are set for delivery in the second half of 2010.
Sovcomflot director Sergey Burima confirms the order.
Sources suggest the tankers have a price of slightly less than $80m each.
At the end of last year, Sovcomflot had 31 vessels on order, representing 2.8 million dwt. After its takeover of the Russian government's controlling stake in compatriot owner Novoship, Sovcomflot now ranks as the world's fifth-largest tanker company by tonnage.
Sovcomflot plans to order ships in Russia, including LPG carriers, chemical tankers, ice-class tonnage and supply ships, but larger tonnage is being built abroad.
