|
This time, the business is going to SPP Shipbuilding, Navig8 confirmed when contacted by TradeWinds this week. "We can confirm a firm order for multiple vessels will be placed with SPP, to be confirmed next week," said US-based commercial director Jason Klopfer. However, he would not be drawn on the number of LR1 units in the deal, nor on any other details of the order. The news comes only days after Navig8 said it is taking the eight firm units, as well as four options, at STX. The owner also is bolstering its presence in commercial management. It disclosed this week that it has hired Antonio Zacchello from Seaarland Shipping Management to head its LR1 pool - known as LR8 - from London. Zacchello has been managing director of Seaarland’s Global Tanker Pool. Klopfer says there is a direct connection between Navig8’s spate of LR1 orders and the ability to operate tonnage at a premium to market rates in LR8. "What is important to Navig8, and to our investor base, is that our commercial framework is properly situated to maximise the earnings of these vessels as soon as they deliver," Klopfer said of the LR1 orders. Hiring Zacchello is another step in boosting the market presence of that pool, he points out, citing his 20 years’ experience in shipownership and commercial pools. Zacchello said in a statement that he will bring with him four vessels from "our close owners". They will be the 74,000-dwt Lia (built 2008) managed by Marwave Shipmanagement of Amsterdam, along with the 74,000-dwt Hermione and Ginny (both built 2008) and Ariane, managed by TB Marine of Hamburg. The pool will expand to 13 with his arrival, with plans to add tonnage later in the year. Growth Strategy Zacchello credited Navig8’s "clear growth strategy" as shown in the newbuilding orders. "The global presence, the wide commercial network and the information-sharing coming from a diversified fleet make Navig8 one of the most interesting shipping companies presently and going forward," he said. Published in TradeWinds, March 14 2014 By Joe Brady Stamford Navig8 Group press release |
Navig8 beefs up LR1 tally with new SPP order