Arne Blystad-led Songa Container has decided to install scrubbers across its 15-ship fleet.
The shipowner claims it is one of the few tonnage providers in the container feeder segment able to offer liner operators vessels equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems.
“Due to the very low penetration of scrubber-fitted container vessels in the feeder segment, the company expects to have a comparative advantage on its fleet compared to its peers,” said the board, chaired by Blystad.
The company admitted there still are many uncertainties surrounding the implementation of the IMO 2020 sulphur cap that will enter force on 1 January.
The scrubbers are due to be installed this year and in the first quarter of 2020.
The Songa ships are between 1,036 teu and 4,957 teu and are built between 2007 and 2014.
The company, which was set up in 2017, is an asset play project.
It has said that one of the ships, the 2,851-teu Songa Antofagasta (built 2008), will not have scrubbers installed, as it could be set for a sale. It is likely to fetch $11.1m.
Songa Container bought it as Hammonia Antofagasta for $8.9m in March 2017.
In December, Songa Container issued a $130m senior securities bond with a floating interest rate of Libor plus a margin of 6% and a final maturity on 14 December 2021.
The company expects a modest improvement in rates this year. In the fourth quarter last year, Songa Container logged a net loss of $2.23m.
Blystad is known for moving in and out of shipping companies and sectors, and has been involved in dry bulk, tankers and offshore. He has a 37.5% stake in Songa Container.
