TEN orders versatile Aframax

Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) has ordered one Aframax double-hulled tanker, with a carrying capacity of 105,000 dwt. The vessel, featuring a new design that will provide customers with new options for moving cargoes in the Aframax class, will be built by Sumitomo in Japan, and is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2007.

TEN says the special design of this new vessel creates a more versatile Aframax that will allow it to trade in a greater variety of ports, especially in the U.S., Caribbean, and South America. It will allow TEN to service clients that otherwise would be serviced by Panamax tankers.

“We are very excited to introduce this environmentally friendly, high- specification vessel, the first of its kind in the Aframax market,” said Nikolas P. Tsakos, President and CEO of TEN. “We are always looking for innovations that increase our clients efficiency. Our naval architects have once again developed a design that meets the evolving needs of the major oil companies. We expect that this vessel will have the opportunity to earn a significant premium because of its technical characteristics.”

The vessel is specifically designed to meet the stringent environmental protection requirements of classification societies and other regulatory bodies, the rules and guidelines of oil majors and various port authorities and terminals. Additionally, the vessel incorporates the technical requirements of all the oil majors.