Reliance Ethane Holding Pte. Ltd. (REHPL) (incorporated in Singapore, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), having 100% holding in six limited liability companies (LLCs) which own Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC), Mitsui O.S.K Lines Ltd. (MOL) of Japan and a strategic minority investor have signed binding definitive agreements for a strategic investment by MOL and minority investor in the six special purpose limited liability companies (SPVs), each owning a VLEC. 

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. to acquire strategic stake in six group companies (each owning a Very Large Ethane Carrier) of RIL
Caption: Very Large Ethane Carrier Ethane Crystal - Image for illustrative purposes only

Transaction closing is subject to regulatory approvals. Post closing SPVs shall be jointly controlled by REHPL and MOL.

Speaking on this strategic transaction, Mr. P.M.S. Prasad, Executive Director, RIL, said: “Given MOL is currently the operator of all the six VLECs, investment by MOL will deepen our relationship with them and ensure continued safe and efficient operations of the VLECs. We welcome MOL as a strategic partner into the SPVs as they move beyond the current operator role to joint owner and operator role in the SPVs”.

Mr. Takeshi Hashimoto, Member of the Board, Executive Vice President, MOL said: “This investment would enable MOL to add six unique VLECs, which we have been operating for some time now, as owners to its existing fleet of over 850 vessels which include LNG carrier, other tankers, dry bulkers, car carriers, ferries and coastal RoRo ships and cruise ships. We also have container ships which are chartered by ONE. MOL has detailed knowledge about these assets having supervised the construction and delivery of the six VLECs and subsequently operating them since their delivery. We are therefore happy and look forward to use this strategic opportunity to be a joint owner and to significantly strengthen our existing relationship with Reliance”.

Source: Reliance