Tokyo: A joint venture between Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and Stolt-Nielsen has exercised options for two more parcel tankers in Japan. NYK Stolt Shipholdings ordered two firm and two plus two 12,500 dwt chemical tankers at Usuki Shipyard last year. The joint venture has just exercised the first pair of options – two more ship options remain.
The two option ships will deliver in the first half of 2017 and will be deployed on the Asia-Australia tradelane.
The joint venture is growing fast. It has also ordered a 38,000 dwt chemical tanker at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China.
“NYK will aggressively maintain a competitive fleet with joint venture partner Stolt Tankers in the growing chemical market by operating parcel tankers that offer needed complex, high-quality operations,” NYK said when setting up the joint venture a couple of years ago. The venture now has 12 ships on the water.