Greek shipowners Dimitris and George Vernicos have finalized an order for tankers at a Chinese shipyard as part of their fleet renewal and expansion strategy.
Specifically, the Vernicos family has ordered two 41,000 DWT MR1 product/chemical tankers from Wuhu Shipyard, with deliveries scheduled between the third quarter of 2028 and early 2029.
The new vessels will be equipped with stern bunkering lines, comprehensive vapor recovery systems, and various targeted technical upgrades to meet the vast majority of ExxonMobil’s chartering requirements.
The Vernicos family has been deeply involved in the MR1 product/chemical tanker sector for over three decades, having executed more than 70 vessel transactions during this period. The only tanker currently operated by the family’s fleet is the “Akti A”, a 40,000 DWT MR1 product/chemical tanker; built and delivered in 2022 by a shipyard under HD Hyundai, the vessel features an eco-friendly design and is capable of shallow-draft navigation and stern-line operations.
Following the delivery of these two new vessels, the size of the Vernicos family’s tanker fleet will increase to three ships. Earlier this year, the family acquired the remaining equity in the “Akti A” while simultaneously continuing to divest older tonnage, selling three vessels built between 2004 and 2008.
In addition, the Vernicos family is active in the dry bulk market through its new venture, Nautilus Management SA, which currently manages two 36,000 DWT bulk carriers named “V Bros” and “V Isalos”.
Despite having a limited presence in the tanker and dry bulk sectors, the Vernicos family remains a major player in the global tugboat industry—including vessels currently under construction—and operates a fleet of approximately 45 tugs.
In recent years, Wuhu Shipyard has secured multiple orders for this type of vessel. For instance, the Irish shipowner Ardmore Shipping recently confirmed an order with the yard for two 40,500 DWT IMO II product/chemical tankers, while also placing options for two additional vessels on the same terms.
Wuhu Shipyard ranks among the top tier of domestic chemical tanker builders; its current orderbook includes 6,600 DWT, 18,500 DWT, 22,000 DWT, 25,900 DWT, and 38,000 DWT stainless steel chemical tankers, as well as 40,800 DWT (MR1) and 49,000 DWT (MR2) series vessels. The shipyard has established comprehensive capabilities spanning the design and construction of everything from small-to-medium-sized liquid cargo carriers to large chemical tankers.
Currently, Wuhu Shipyard operates three major shipbuilding bases: its headquarters in Wuhu, the Weihai base, and the Nantong base. The Nantong base is a newly established facility where shipbuilding operations have recently commenced; it officially began operations on May 29, marking the transition from the construction phase to the production phase.