Scorpio Adds Seven VLCCs to Newbuild Orderbook

Image: Scorpio Tankers

NYSE-listed Scorpio Tankers (NYSE: STNG) announced Tuesday that it has entered into agreements for the construction of seven VLCC newbuilds, marking the company’s entry into the VLCC market, as well an additional agreement with an unaffiliated third party re-sale of four MR product tankers already under construction in South Korea.

VLCC Newbuildings

In a statement Tuesday, Scorpio said has reached agreements with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries for the construction of seven VLCCs for an aggregate price of approximately $652.5 million. One vessel is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2015, two in the fourth quarter of 2015, two in the first quarter of 2016 and two in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The VLCCs are the first such vessels for the company.

MR Product Tanker Newbuildings

Scorpio also said it has reached an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to issue shares in exchange for the transfer of ownership to the company of four MR product tankers currently under construction in South Korea. The purchase price of the four vessels, in aggregate, is approximately $154 million. One vessel is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2014 and the remaining three are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2015. These vessels are similar to the Company’s newbuildings that are also under construction at the same shipyard.

Approximately 20% of the total purchase price for the vessels will consist of newly issued common shares, Scorpio said, with a valuation based on the fair market value of the shares at the time of issuance. The new common shares will be issued to affiliates of York Capital and the remainder of the purchase price will be paid to the shipyard from cash-on-hand and bank debt.

The transactions remain subject to customary closing conditions and final documentation.

Scorpio Tankers Fleet

Scorpio Tankers fleet currently consists of 19 owned tankers (one LR2 tanker, four LR1 tankers, one Handymax tanker, 12 MR tankers, and one post-Panamax tanker) with an average age of 4.1 years and an additional time charters-in 29 product tankers (eight LR2, four LR1, eight MR and nine Handymax tankers). The company also has contracted for 65 newbuildings (32 MR, 12 LR2, and 14 Handymax ice class-1A product tankers and seven VLCCs), 45 of which are expected to be delivered in 2014, 16 in 2015 and four in 2016.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up