Euronav NV (NYSE: EURN & Euronext: EURN) (Euronav) purchased two eco-VLCCs, the Chelsea (2020 – 299,995 dwt) and the Ghillie (2019 – 297,750 dwt), for USD 179 million in total in cash. They are sisters of Euronav D-class vessels (Delos, (2021 – 300,200 dwt), Diodorus (2021 – 300,200 dwt), Doris (2021 – 300,200 dwt) and Dickens (2021 – 299,550 dwt).
These vessels were all built in Korea at DSME, are fitted with scrubbers and are the latest generation of eco-type VLCC.
In parallel to this transaction, Euronav has sold four older S-class VLCCs for an en-bloc price of USD 198 million. A capital gain of USD 1.2 million will be recorded on the sale of these vessels. The four vessels are the Sandra (2011 – 323, 527 dwt), Sara (2011 – 322,000 dwt), Simone (2012 – 315,988 dwt) and the Sonia (2012 – 314,000 dwt). All four vessels are non-eco VLCCs with significant higher consumptions and carbon footprint than modern eco-VLCCs.
Fleet rejuvenation
The combination of these two transactions demonstrates the Company’s focus on the modernisation of its fleet and the improvement of the fleet consumption and emission profile, which in turn enables Euronav to maximise the overall return of the company.
The transactions have reduced the average age of Euronav’s fully owned VLCC fleet from 7.3 years to 6.6 years, making it amongst the youngest VLCC fleets globally.
Euronav considers regular fleet rejuvenation as an important function of ship management in providing quality services to Company’s clients. These top of the range eco-vessels will deliver an improvement in Euronav operational performance upon delivery later this quarter. The price represents good value in the context of high newbuild prices and extended delivery schedules for new tonnage, but also in the swapping out of older for newer tonnage.
Source: Euronav