A former VLGC that had been in the fleet of Elektrans Shipping has been sold for demolition, according to brokers in Europe.
The 75,000-cbm Skarpov (built 1979) went for about $8.8m. It is expected to be scrapped in India.
The Wartsila-built ship was converted to an offshore production vessel by its former owner, BW Group, more than 10 years ago.
Elektrans is understood to have controlled the Skarpov with foreign investors, although in August the company said it had given up management of the ship.
Vessel databases list its owner as Riverstone Services. Demolition market sources tell TradeWinds that the vessel had been ultimately owned by Mohammed Shafiq's Jampur Group of Dubai, which could not be immediately reached for comment.
The sale comes amid a series of developments that have seen Elektrans hive off ships, despite speaking of expansion only a year ago.
TradeWinds reported in November last year that three of the Indian company’s tankers were slated for sale amid complaints from crew over unpaid wages.
A fourth tanker is on long-term charter and not deemed a sales candidate. Equasis also lists Elektrans as owning a tug.
TradeWinds reported in late-2016 that Elektrans was launching a joint venture with Germany’s Chemicalien Seetransport (CST). The deal would allow the Indian outfit to tap CST’s extensive expertise in international tanker trades.
Elektrans expressed ambitions to become an international player and build a fleet of 20 ships by the end of 2018.
This story has been updated since publication to provide additional information about the ownership of the Skarpov and the sale price.
