Italian product tanker owner d’Amico International Shipping (DIS) has sold one of the last non-eco vessels in its fleet, taking advantage of strong tanker markets to lock in a firm price. The Milan- and OTCQX-listed owner said its operating arm, d’Amico Tankers, has agreed to sell the 2012-built MR High Seas for $27.6m. The 51,678 dwt vessel, built at Hyundai Mipo in South Korea, and currently the oldest in the company’s fleet, is scheduled to change hands before the end of May. DIS said the deal will generate about $27m in cash, net of commissions, and marks another step in its ongoing fleet renewal drive. Following the sale, the company will be left with just one non-eco vessel in its fleet as it continues to shift towards more fuel-efficient tonnage. The owner currently counts 29 product tankers, including 27 owned vessels and two on bareboat charter. It also has a sizeable orderbook of 10 newbuildings lined up, with four LR1s due in 2027 and six MR tankers — including MR1 and MR2 units — scheduled for delivery in 2029, alongside options for additional ships. Chief executive Carlos di Mottola said the price achieved reflects both strong freight rates and a positive outlook for the product tanker sector. “Following the completion of this transaction, DIS will own only one non-eco vessel, in line with our strategy of operating a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, with the objective of enhancing both our earnings potential and our environmental footprint,” he noted googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsItaly