Constructed in China at the Qiu Xin Shipyard in Shanghai, Maria Desgagnes is a state-of-the-art double-hulled, ice class 1A, type 2 oil and chemical tanker, which is able to transport 12 different types of cargo at once. Featuring a total capacity of 15,570 cu. m., the vessel measures 394 x 69 ft. (120 x 21 m) requiring an investment of more than $35 million. The vessel is chartered by Petro-Nav, a subsidiary introduced by Groupe Desgagnes in 1996 with two other shareholders - Nicolas Gravino and Richard P. Carson - to develop the bulk liquid transport side of the business. The tanker joins two others in the fleet - Thalassa Desgagnes and Petrolia Desgagnes, as well as Rigel Shipping Canada tankers for which Petro-Nav has signed a long term charter agreement.