B Gas is renewing its fleet by taking two LPG carriers on long-term bareboat charter from Bergshav, the Denmark-based company's majority shareholder.
B Gas chief executive Kim Kristensen confirmed that Norway's Bergshav has bought the 3,000-cbm Marte and Venere (both built 2004) from De Poli Tankers ahead of providing them to his company.
No price has been disclosed, but the semi-refrigerated gas carriers are likely to be worth some $10m enbloc. Both Cantieri D Poli-built ships are due for special survey this year.
Semi-refrigerated fleet
Kristensen said B Gas has three semi-refrigerated vessels built before 2000 and that the deal with Bergshav is part of a renewal effort.
“These are small ships that fit in well with us,” Kristensen added.
B Gas has a fleet of 13 small LPG carriers from 1,900 cbm to 5,000 cbm in size. Last year, it sold the 1,700-cbm B Gas Lydia (built 1993) for further trading following the sale of a 1991-built vessel and a 1992-built unit.
Grimstad-based Bergshav has a 51% stake in B Gas, Pareto World Wide owns 39% and Lorentzens Skibs holds 10%.
