The declared options add to four MR newbuildings ordered at Sungdong last November and all six vessels are expected to be delivered in 2016 and 2017.
“We believe that the product segments have a reasonable chance of returning to attractive rates in the coming years and in order to stay relevant and attractive in these markets, we need to gradually renew our fleet to maintain a suitable average age,” said Morten Engelstoft, ceo of Maersk Tankers.
In September last year Klaus Rud Sejling, coo of Mearsk Tankers, urged restraint from owners in ordering MR product tankers due to the dangers of severe oversuppluy.
Maersk Tankers is looking to refocus its business with a greater emphasis the product tanker sector. In January it announced it would be selling its VLCC fleet to Euronav for $980m, while in May 2013 it sold its VLGC fleet to BW Group.
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