Benelux Overseas continues to expand its activities by ordering two medium gas carriers from Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in China. This new contract adds to the business relations of this Greek company with Chinese shipyards that began in late 2023.
Contract Details
According to received information, this Athens-based company, managed by Kostas Angelou, has been identified as the buyer of this contract. The new shipment includes two ships with a capacity of 48,000 cubic meters, but the price and delivery date of these ships have not yet been announced. These ships, which operate on conventional fuel, will utilize a 48,000 cubic meter design developed by the Shanghai Design and Research Institute (SDARI). Additionally, these ships feature three fully refrigerated independent type A tanks that allow for the transport of LPG, ammonia, and other cargoes.
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Expansion of Cooperation and Future Projects
Benelux first visited Huangpu Wenchong in December 2023 and ordered two ships of the same type with an option to purchase a third ship, which was activated in March 2024. The initial cost of each of these ships is reported to be around $64 million. The first ship from this program, Olympios Gas, was completed in July of this year. This new contract further aids the expansion of the Greek owner's activities in the gas carrier sector, which includes moving towards larger ships capable of carrying ammonia as well.
Last December, shipbuilding sources also linked Benelux to a $240 million order for two large ammonia carriers with a capacity of 93,000 cubic meters at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, with delivery planned for 2028. Additionally, Benelux has also been securing gas carriers from South Korea, including two 40,000 cubic meter ships contracted in 2021 at HD Hyundai Mipo.
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