UK shipowner Pritchard-Gordon Tankers (PG Tankers) has added to its newbuilding orderbook following a strong year.
It now has three 10,600-dwt ships due from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard: two in 2025 and one in 2026.
No cost has been given for the vessels.
Finnish technology group Wartsila said it would supply an integrated propulsion package for the new ship, as it is doing with the other two.
Richard Groves, newbuilding manager at PG Tankers, said: “The tanker sector is under increasing pressure to lessen its carbon footprint, and we are committed to having a fleet that is highly efficient and provides greater flexibility for new sustainable technologies and future fuels.”
John Grant, Wartsila’s newbuilding sales manager in the UK and Ireland, said: “These three new vessels feature the very well-proven and reliable Wartsila 32 main engine.
“The engine not only optimises fuel consumption but also has the ability to operate on various types of fuel today while being an engine design platform ready for future fuel marine market requirements.”
The tankers have been designed by FKAB Marine Design.
PG Tankers has 10 small vessels built between 2001 and 2019.
Accounts filed to Companies House show net profit of £6m ($7.6m) in the year to 30 June, up from £1.6m a year ago.
There was also an increase in gross profit to £18m from £13m.
Good markets to last
“The activity is expected to continue for the foreseeable future as the tanker market is strong,” PG Tankers said.
Total capital and reserves grew to £92.9m from £78.4m as asset values were re-rated upwards.
Revenue increased to £39.6m from £35.6m, while costs were lower at £21.9m against £22.6m in the previous 12 months.
PG Tankers had 18 shore staff at 30 June, unchanged from last year, while the number of crew members rose by four to 78.
Wages were cut to £3.98m from £4.02m.
The company was founded by Giles Pritchard-Gordon in 1989.
He was the youngest ever director of UK shipbroker Clarksons, but in 1973 he left to establish his own tanker brokerage.
This company diversified in 1978 to become a shipowner, ordering two dry cargo coasters in the UK.
