Libra Group’s Lomar is boosting its containership fleet capacity with up to seven ships as it sets sight on tapping into the potential of strong container market.
The company has reported an order for up to four newbuilding containerships from the Yangzijiang Shipyard in addition to purchasing of three vessels.
The new vessels are the latest ‘widebeam’ specification with a nominal intake of 2,700 TEU and are designed by the Marine Design & Research Institute of China (MARIC), Lomar said.
The new ships will feature eco-fuel-efficient ‘GType’ engines and are scheduled for delivery from March 2017.
The London-based shipping company has also acquired the Rio Ardeche, a 2006 German-built 2,500 TEU boxship to be re-named Oregon Trader, which is a sister ship to the Rio Ardour, acquired by Lomar at the end of 2014 and now renamed Virginia Trader.
The company has also confirmed its acquisition of the Conti Daphne, a 2008 German-built 2,100 TEU vessel which will be named Louisiana Trader. Both ships are expected to deliver in March.
Finally, Lomar has acquired the 2001 German-built Ulf Ritscher, which will be renamed Calais Trader and is scheduled for delivery next month.
During 2014, Lomar sold its entire fleet of offshore vessels.