Maersk orders VLCCs

Maersk Tankers has signed an agreement with STX shipbuilding company in Korea for the delivery of four VLCCs in 2011-2012. “We are very pleased with this order. The vessels are an important part of our strategy to grow our presence in the VLCC segment. With the order we will reach a fleet of 18 VLCCs by 2013, and this clearly demonstrates our commitment to the VLCC market,” says Kristian V. M?rch, Group Senior Vice President of A.P. Moller ? Maersk.

The vessels will have a waste heat recovery system installed to generate electricity from the heat in the exhaust from the main engine. In this way excess heat is put to use replacing power generation for the accommodation that otherwise would have to be produced by diesel gensets. The expected fuel savings from use of this technology is around 5%. In addition to the waste heat recovery system the vessels will also have the latest generation of electronic diesel engines, enabling more efficient fuel consumption at varying speeds (more than 1% fuel consumption reduction). These technical upgrades are a part of the continued effort of pursuing eco-efficiency with both economic and environmental benefits.

Maersk Tankers operate one of the largest, most modern and most diversified tanker fleets in the world ? in total more than 170 vessels including owned, time-chartered and partnership vessels. All their tankers are double hulled and meet the latest industry standards and demands. The orderbook for Maersk Tankers now stands at 57 vessels including own and long term chartered tonnage, and with the latest order Maersk Tankers have again proved to be on the forefront when it comes to fleet renewal programmes.