DHT confirms VLCC buy

New York-listed VLCC pure-play DHT has confirmed the acquisition of a modern Korean-built tanker.

The Svein Moxnes Harfjeld-led company said it will be adding an unnamed 2018 Hyundai Heavy Industries-built vessel in the third quarter of this year.

DHT is paying $107m for the scrubber-fitted VLCC, which is expected to improve the company’s fleet age profile and further bolster its efficiency metrics.

Splash reported earlier that the supertanker specialist struck a deal to acquire the 2018-built Papalemos for $108m from Enesel, citing shipbroking sources.

DHT has not named the seller, but if confirmed, the deal would mark the second VLCC the company has purchased from the Greek owner, following the 2022 acquisition of the 319,200 dwt sister vessel Maria P Lemos, now operating as the DHT Appaloosa, for about $94.5m.

“This is a sister of vessels built by us in 2018, a design with large carrying capacity and premium earning capabilities, well suited for the trading patterns of our key customers,” noted DHT chief executive Harfjeld, adding: “We believe this to be a fitting addition to our fleet, replacing some of the earnings capacity that has been divested this year, delivering into a market with attractive prospects.”