China Shipping to Buy Two Tankers

Bulk shipping operator China Shipping Development is spending $87m on another two oil tankers to boost capacity.

The new tankers, each with a capacity of 46,000 deadweight tons, are due for delivery between the fourth quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2009. Upon delivery, the shipping operator will control a fleet of 71 oil tankers with a combined carrying capacity of 3.5 million deadweight tonnes. The purchase of the two new vessels will be financed by bank borrowings, increasing the company's gearing ratio. China Shipping said it is optimistic about demand in the oil transportation market and expects growth in the coming years. In a recent research report, Goldman Sachs said the shipping firm could potentially enter into an attractive new business such as transporting liquefied natural gas. Earlier this month, the company placed orders for four Very Large Iron Ore Carriers. Source: The Standard