Norwegian tanker owner Jo Odfjell is boosting its presence in the clean tanker market with the purchase of two Turkish controlled medium-range product carriers.
The Bergen-based company has reportedly purchased the 51,000-dwt Gan Tribute and Gan Triumph (both built 2010) for $19.5m each. The price is largely in line with expectations for the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard-built vessels.
Jo Odfjell chairman Tore Hopen could not be reached for comment.
Two years ago, the company sold its chemical tanker fleet to competitor Stolt-Nielsen for $575m, but it became a partner with Stolt-Nielsen on eight 33,000-dwt stainless steel tankers.
Hopen said that deal meant that Jo Odfjell went from an industrial to a financial player in the chemical tanker market.
Controlled by Johan Odvar Odfjell, the shipowner has a fleet of more than 20 vessels and has also invested in offshore units and containerships.
Last year it bought two similar products tanker to the ones now acquired from Fiba Shipping. It paid $32m en bloc for the sisterships Atlantic Diana and Atlantic Blue (both built 2007).
