Norway’s Odfjell is expanding its fleet again through charter and pool agreements.
The Oslo-listed chemical tanker owner said six newbuildings will join between the first halfs of 2026 and 2027.
This lifts to 12 the number of 25,000-dwt to 40,000-dwt stainless steel vessels that it has scheduled for delivery from next year.
“The agreements represent a continuation of Odfjell’s long-term relationships with Japanese shipowners and shipyards,” the company said.
The newbuildings will be constructed at a number of unnamed Japanese yards.
Two of the additions are 40,000-dwt stainless steel “super-segregator” units with 28 tanks. The other four are 25,000-dwt to 26,000-dwt ships with 24 tanks.
Odfjell already has more than 80 ships from 4,000 dwt to 75,000 dwt.
The new tankers will join its worldwide trades in a strategic combination of long-term time charter and pool arrangements.
No financial details were revealed, but the company said rates are “at attractive levels”.
Odfjell has purchase options on the vessels being time-chartered in.
“We are pleased to announce these agreements as they further strengthen our fleet composition and serve as a confirmation of our growth ambitions,” chief executive Harald Fotland said.
Bespoke tankers
“The collaboration between the shipbuilders, suppliers and our team has resulted in tailored vessels that are sustainable, efficient and cost-effective.”
Fotland said this approach allows Odfjell to continue to “deliver exceptional services to our customers and optimise our operations without compromising our commitment to sustainability”.
Modern tonnage is introduced in a capital-efficient way, he said.
The company views the deals as notable steps in an “ambitious” fleet-renewal plan.
Odfjell said in its third-quarter results earlier this month that it expects rates to remain at healthy levels for the rest of the year.
It reported net profit of $51.9m, up 3% from the same period last year — which is a result in line with or beating analysts’ expectations.
