Leon might also even seek opportunities in the aframax products tankers segment, sources at the Athens-based company told TradeWinds.
Leon was set up in 2011 and has since assembled a fleet of three clean products tankers.
The company’s latest move was revealed in early February, when it emerged as the buyer of the 40,000-dwt Gandhi (renamed Leon Hermes, built 2008).
Brokers reported the ship had changed hands for $15.8m. However, TradeWinds understands that the vessel, Leon’s biggest unit, was scooped up in a private sale for $15m.
Leon picked up its two other tankers at auction, also at prices lower than previously reported.
In October 2011, it bought the 20,000-dwt Leon Poseidon (ex-Royal Queen, built 2009) for $19m, and in May 2013, it purchased the 17,600-dwt Leon Herc (ex-Leo Star, built 2008) for $12.25m.
VesselsValue suggests that these ships are worth just $11m and $10.1m respectively. However, company sources, put their value at $17m and $15.5m respectively, pointing to the latest deals in the sale-and-purchase (S&P) market for comparable vessels.
In December last year, Leon sold its oldest and smallest ship, the 9,100-dwt Leon Dias (renamed Team Emerald, built 2003) to Eastern Tanker of South Korea for $9m, a price slightly higher than reported.
