China Merchants Shipping Approved to Buy Six Oil Tankers

China Merchants Energy Shipping Co. Ltd. (SHA 601872) said orders for six oil tankers have been approved by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). In April, the company said it plans to buy two very large crude carriers (VLCC) displacing 300,000 deadweight tons and two tankers displacing 110,000 dwt from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd. for $343m. In June, the company signed a $232m order with Dalian Shipbuilding to buy two VLCCs displacing 300,000 deadweight tons. The tankers will be delivered between December 2009 and March 2011. [Source: http://www.tradingmarkets.com]