Bumi Armada Dismisses VLCC Purchase Reports

Malaysian Bumi Armada has refuted broker reports that linked it to the purchase of the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Front Ariake. 

The offshore oilfield services provider said in a regulatory filing that the reports were not true.

“We refer to recent articles reporting that Bumi Armada Berhad  has acquired a very large crude carrier (VLCC) Front Ariake. The company wishes to clarify that it did not purchase the VLCC Front Ariake,” the statement reads.

To remind, Intermodal Shipbrokers reported last week that the 298,530 dwt VLCC was bought by Bumi Armada for USD 20.7 million, and that it was intended for conversion.

The Bahamas-flagged vessel was previously owned by Bermuda-based Ship Finance International Limited (SFL).

Built at Hitachi Zosen shipyard in Japan in 2001, Front Ariake currently has a market value of USD 18.05 million, according to data provided by VesselsValue.

World Maritime News Staff