STX Offshore to Build up to Six VLCCs for John Fredriksen

South Korean shipbuilder STX Offshore & Shipbuilding has received a firm order to build two 300,000 dwt Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC), with four additional options, for the shipping magnate John Fredriksen.

The tankers will be 300 meters long, 60 meters wide and 30 meters tall.

The first two tankers will be delivered in the first half of 2017. The value of the contract has not been disclosed.

The tankers will most probably be operated by Frontline 2012.

This contract is tied to two MR tankers and four Capesize bulk carriers which Frontline ordered back in 2013 at STX’s former Dalian shipyard, which is being liquidated due to the company’s financial difficulties.

The companies agreed to change the order from MR tankers and bulk carriers to VLCCs.

Back in May, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding secured an order for the construction of up to eight Long Range Product Carriers (LR1), worth a total of USD 375 million.

World Maritime News Staff