Greek tanker owner Medcare Shipping has been linked to an order for up to five MR1 product and chemical tankers at China's Anhui Zhongrun Heavy Industry, according to Splash247. The Wuhu-based shipyard has confirmed a contract with an unnamed Greek owner covering two firm 41,000 dwt vessels and three options, and shipbroking and market sources have identified Medcare as the company behind the deal.
Contract details and estimated value
Splash247 reported that no contract price has been disclosed for the order. At current market indications of around $48m per ship, the two firm vessels would be worth about $96m, rising to roughly $240m if all three options are exercised. The table below summarises the deal as reported by Splash247.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Yard | Anhui Zhongrun Heavy Industry (Wuhu, China) |
| Vessel type | MR1 product and chemical tankers |
| Ship size | 41,000 dwt |
| Design | SDARI-designed |
| Firm order | 2 vessels |
| Options | 3 vessels |
| Cargo tanks | Epoxy-coated, for IMO II and III chemicals and refined petroleum products |
| Market price indication | About $48m per ship |
| Estimated firm-pair value | About $96m |
| Estimated full-deal value | About $240m if all options are exercised |
Fleet profile and existing orderbook
Medcare currently operates three MR1 tankers and two supramax bulkers, according to Splash247. The owner is also waiting on another pair of 41,000 dwt MR1s from Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry. If the Anhui Zhongrun order is confirmed and all three options are taken, Medcare would add five MR1 newbuilds at Anhui Zhongrun Heavy Industry on top of the two already on order at Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry.
Technical specifications and regulatory compliance
The SDARI-designed vessels will feature epoxy-coated cargo tanks for IMO II and III chemicals as well as refined petroleum products, Splash247 reported. The ships will also comply with IMO Tier III emissions rules and current EEDI requirements. The combination of chemical-capable tank coating and refined petroleum product carriage is part of the design package described in the report.
Commercial exposure and unconfirmed owner
According to Splash247, the Wuhu-based yard confirmed a contract with an unnamed Greek owner, while shipbroking and market sources identified Medcare as the company behind the deal. No contract price has been disclosed, and the report does not include a delivery schedule. The order covers two firm 41,000 dwt MR1s and three options, according to Splash247.
Watch list
- Confirmation from Medcare Shipping or Anhui Zhongrun Heavy Industry that Medcare is the unnamed Greek owner behind the contract.
- Exercise of the three optional 41,000 dwt MR1s, which would lift the estimated market value of the deal to roughly $240m.
- Any disclosed contract price, delivery schedule, or financing details, none of which appear in the Splash247 report.
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