The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) based in continues to invest significantly in its fleet of ships, aiming to grow its fleet to 74 ships and more than 18mdwt by 2013, said Captain R. Ghareh, Area Manager based in the company’s Dubai, UAE office, during a recent interview. This level is a sharp increase from its current fleet, which includes 43 ships (including 28 VLCCs) total 10.6mdwt. Making up the bulk of the new fleet is an existing order for 22 new VLCCs costing a cumulative $3.3b.