Maersk Tankers has started its debut LR1 pool with a ship acquired in recent days by Sanmar Shipping of India.
The Danish operator said it is offering commercial management of product carriers between 55,000 dwt and 80,000 dwt.
The idea is to capitalise on rate spikes and give owners vessel optimisation opportunities.
Sanmar Shipping is the first client, following many years of collaboration, most recently in the LR2 segment.
Maersk Tankers said the owner is contributing a recently bought tanker, which brokers identify as the 75,000-dwt Spottail (built 2008), acquired from Prime Tanker Management of Greece for $24.6m.
Prime had paid $28.5m for the ship from World Marine Co of Japan nine years previously.
“We have had the honour of working with Sanmar Shipping for many years and are proud that we now get to venture into a new segment together,” said Jesper Bo Hansen, global head of partnerships & pool management at Maersk Tankers.
“The demand for LR1 trade remains strong, while the average age of the fleet is continuously increasing.
“Building on our large customer network and presence, particularly in the East, we believe we can offer a valuable service in this segment, which will give shipowners the opportunity to maximise earnings and optimise vessel performance.”
More partnerships are being sought, he said.
Maersk Tankers manages vessels from 10,000 dwt tankers up to LR2s, and VLGCs are also now in the management mix.
The company welcomed back former employee Tina Revsbech as chief executive last month.
