Avance’s Newbuilds to Be Refitted by End of May

Owner and operator of very large gas carriers Avance Gas said that its newbuilds VLGC Breeze and VLGC Monsoon are to join the company’s fleet by the end of May when their respective refitting should be completed.

The company decided to drydock the two vessels having found technical defects on the newly built ships.

According to the latest update, the initial conclusion from Lloyd’s Technical Investigation Department inspection of Breeze, delivered to Avance Gas on 9 April 2015 and dry-docked in Singapore on 24 April 2015, is that her aft and forward stern tube bearings will have to be replaced. It is expected that Breeze will be refitted by mid-May and enter into service in the second half of May 2015, the company said.

Avance Gas further added that the modifications on Monsoon are proceeding according to plan. It is expected that also Monsoon will be refitted by mid-May and back in service in the second half of May 2015.

“Both Monsoon and Breeze are under guarantee from Jiangnan Shipyard Co. Ltd. Claims will be made under applicable guarantee provisions and insurances. Avance Gas’ fleet is not covered by any loss-of-hire insurance,” the company said.

Avance Gas is in dialogue with Frontline 2012, Lloyd’s Register and Jiangnan Shipyard Co. Ltd regarding the procedures for deliveries of hull 1074-1078.

The company operates a fleet of nine modern ships and has a newbuilding program of five VLGCs.