Christian Kramer’s Chemikalien Seetransport is being linked with a swoop for four product tankers in a deal that would see seller Expedo Shipping exit the business.
The deal marks a major expansion of Chemikalien's position in the LR1 sector and comes less than a year after it took over compatriot tanker specialist Rigel Schiffahrts.
Brokers say Chemikalien is buying the 74,000-dwt New Challenge, New Champion, New Century and New Confidence (all built 2005).
No price has been placed on the four Chinese-built ships, which are pegged at a little over $35m by VesselsValue.
Officials at both buyer and seller declined to comment when contacted by TradeWinds on Thursday.
Chemikalien is an established player in the LR1 market with six of the ships on the water.
It is also active in the medium range product market and the dry cargo space.
Expedo has been on shipping for more than 50 years as an owner and operator in the tanker, dry bulk and general cargo sectors.
However, the four LR1s were the only remaining ships listed in its fleet today.
