CMB.TECH offloads three Suezmaxes on fleet rejuvenation quest

As part of its fleet rejuvenation agenda, Belgium-based shipowner CMB.TECH has sold three of its Suezmax tankers for nearly $120 million.

As disclosed, CMB.TECH entered into an agreement with Bocimar International NV (BOI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMB NV, for the sale of 2007-built Selena and Capt Victor and 2008-built Cap Felix tankers.

The aggregate purchase price for these vessels, which are not fitted with dual-fuel engines, was $119,49 million. The vessels will be delivered to the new owner in December 2024

According to CMB.TECH, the sale will generate a capital gain of $70,9 million and enable the company to manage its portfolio of ships in line with its strategy of decarbonizing and optimizing its fleet.

The Belgian shipowner said it would use the net proceeds to fund the committed capital expenditure on its future-proof newbuilt vessels or for initial advances on newbuilt vessels if future projects are confirmed.

CMB.TECH is the company behind the order of what is said to be the world’s first 210,000-ton ammonia dual-fuel bulk carrier. The construction of this vessel began in late October 2024 at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, a part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

The Chinese shipyard is also building twenty-eight 210,000-ton bulk carriers for CMB.TECH. The shipowner previously told Offshore Energy that all ships can be retrofitted for ammonia or will be equipped with it upon delivery.

On top of this, the two parties intend to focus on the market of green-fueled ships and jointly research and develop low-carbon and zero-emission technologies under the strategic cooperation agreement signed in September this year.