Advantage Tankers, based in Geneva, has ordered four MR (Medium Range) tankers from Guangzhou Shipyard International. This order is aimed at adding smaller tonnage to the company's new shipbuilding program, which has so far primarily focused on VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) and Suezmax.
Order Details
According to shipbuilding sources, the contract for the four tankers with a capacity of 50,000 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage) was made under the leadership of Tugrul Tokgöz, owner of Advantage Tankers, at this yard. The delivery of these tankers will begin in 2029. The exact price of this contract has not yet been disclosed, but Guangzhou Shipyard has recently signed contracts for similar vessels at an approximate price of $45 million each.
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Transformation in Shipbuilding Program
This contract allows Advantage Tankers to initiate the construction of new MR tankers. This comes as the company had previously focused more on ordering larger tankers. Currently, Advantage Tankers operates nearly 30 tankers, which include various oil and crude sectors.
In July, it was reported that Advantage Tankers purchased two Suezmax tankers with a capacity of 157,000 DWT from Samsung Heavy Industries for $88.25 million each. These tankers, Advantage Spirit and Advantage Synergy, are scheduled for delivery in the first and second quarters of 2029.
Other Developments in the Shipbuilding Market
The company also ordered two VLCC tankers with a capacity of 307,000 DWT from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co earlier this year. The tankers Advantage Venture and Advantage Voyager are planned for delivery in 2028 and 2029.
Guangzhou Shipyard has captured a significant share of MR contracts this year, with several owners signing contracts for new tonnage. From January to August, approximately 140 new MR2 tankers have been contracted globally, with this sector facing an order book equivalent to over 16 percent of the commercial fleet.
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