Swire Projects Expands MPP Fleet
Swire Shipping's projects business unit Swire Projects has entered into a long-term agreement with shipowner R. Braren for the charter of three handysize multipurpose (MPP) vessels. These vessels will service customer requirements in bluewater trades, carrying project, breakbulk and unitized cargoes.
This follows the deal announced in November 2021 for the long-term charter of six MPP heavy lift vessels with Nordic Project and Finance.
Namir Khanbabi, General Manager of Swire Projects, said this latest charter arrangement “fits with the plan to expand our MPP fleet in line with our growth strategy. These workhorse vessels will take Swire Projects’ growing MPP Fleet to 15 vessels by year-end.”
The 28,000dwt handysize MPPs (or African class) were built between 2010 and 2011 at Huanghai shipyard, China. They will be renamed Pacific Honour, Pacific Humility and Pacific Hero, and known as the “H Class” vessels.
Khanbabi described the vessels as “very versatile” and capable of moving a wide range of project cargo. With sufficient lifting strength and two or three decks to utilize, they are suited for carrying wind energy turbines, tubulars, power generators, plant and machinery and other related equipment, alongside unitized cargoes and bulky large items.
The vessels will be chartered on a firm three-year period, with the option to extend. Delivery of the vessels is scheduled to commence from the fourth quarter of this year and into the beginning of 2023.