Philip Embiricos-controlled Aeolos Management has bought a second VLCC in two months as it continues to renew its fleet.
European brokers said that the Greek shipowner has purchased Nissen Kaiun's 309,000-dwt Bright Harmony (built 2009) for $41m, which is in line with market expectations.
The sale of the Imabari Shipbuilding-constructed tanker follows recent moves by Aeolos to replace older tonnage with newer vessels.
In May, the company reportedly bought the Hyundai Heavy Industries-built, 319,000-dwt tanker Spyros (built 2007) from Greek shipowner Enesel Shipping for $34.6m.
The ship is now in the company’s fleet and has been renamed Kassos 1. This was its first secondhand purchase in five years.
Earlier this year, Aeolos also sold the 305,000-dwt tanker Kos (built 2001) for scrap. The company’s 298,000-dwt tanker Kymolos (built 1998) is also reportedly set for torching.
It still has two 2000-built VLCCs in its fleet that are due for special survey in 2020.
In December last year, Aeolos signed up for a 318,000-dwt tanker at DSME for delivery in 2020, believed to be costing $84m.
Before the inclusion of the Bright Harmony, VLCC-focused Aeolos is listed with six units with an average age of 13 years.
Aeolos did not respond to requests for comment, and Nissen could not be reached before TradeWinds went to press.
