Bermuda-incorporated tanker owner and operator DHT Holdings has entered into agreements to install exhaust gas cleaning systems on twelve of its very large crude carriers (VLCCs).
The company has inked a deal with Swedish company Alfa Laval for the supply of scrubbers. What is more, DHT has secured shipyard capacity to install all systems within 2019.
As informed, the systems will be installed on ships built between 2012 and 2004.
These twelve systems will come in addition to the two systems being installed on the newbuildings DHT Bronco and DHT Mustang set for delivery later this quarter from Hyundai Heavy Industries. As such, DHT will have a total of fourteen VLCCs fitted with scrubbers until the implementation of IMO Sulphur Cap on January 1, 2020.
“We look at the upcoming IMO Sulphur Cap as an opportunity for DHT rather than a threat. We come well prepared and are very pleased with the timely project we have put in place. This project could potentially create a super-profit for the ships in question and boost the already significant operational leverage in DHT,” the company said.
The company added it has received proposals to finance the majority of the project with debt expected to be concluded in the near future.
DHT Holdings currently has a fleet of 25 VLCCs, two Aframaxes and two newbuildings, according to the company’s website.