Singapore-headquartered Epic Gas has announced that, following the company’s recent order of two 11,000cbm vessels from Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation in Japan, it has added two more similar-sized newbuilds to its expanding fleet.
The two 11,000cbm vessels will be long term bareboat chartered in from Kumiai Senpaku, of Japan. The first vessel will be built by Sasaki Shipyard for delivery in 2015 and the second vessel by Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation to be delivered in 2016.
“We are glad to have formed a strong partnership with a prominent ship owner like Kumiai Senpaku of Japan which will further strengthen our position in the growing LPG and petrochemical markets.” said Lars Vang Christensen, CEO of Epic Gas.
He added: “In line with the company’s strategy of owning and operating a modern fleet the addition of these two fine vessels further reduces the fleet’s age profile as does the recently concluded sale of the 1991 built, 3,300cbm DP Azalea.”
Epic Gas has also purchased two modern second hand vessels to be delivered in early 2014 – the 5,000cbm Epic St. George (ex Gas Bali, 2007 built) and the 7,200cbm Epic Barbados (ex Championship, 2001 built).
Lars Vang Christensen further announced: “To strengthen the company’s presence in Europe and cater to the growing fleet size, we have set up an office in London, Epic Gas (UK) Limited, to handle commercial activities and serve our valued client base in the region. The office will be operational in February 2014.”
Epic Gas owns and operates a fleet of fully pressurised gas carriers providing seaborne services for the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas and petrochemicals. Including the newbuildings, the company now controls a fleet of 36 vessels which serve as a link in the international gas and petrochemical supply chains of leading oil majors and commodity trading houses throughout Asia, Europe, West Africa and the Americas. Epic Gas also provides commercial and technical management for external owners.
