Two state of the
art eco-ships named Sky of Ulsan and High Trader have helped
fuel double digit growth in 2015 for D'Amico International
Shipping (DIS), the Italian maritime transport group.
The energy efficient, low emission ships manufactured in
Vietnam's Hyundai Vinashin shipyard are part of an investment
and modernization plan that DIS launched in 2012.
Sky of Ulsan, which weighs around 39,000 tonnes, was built
to navigate in icy waters. High Trader, which measures 183 by 32
metres, has a capacity of 50,000 tonnes and can carry up to nine
different types of load at one time.
"The ships are ready for two oil companies, one American
and one European, with whom we have had relations for more than
30 years. They replace two that are currently in service," DIS
President Paolo d'Amico said at the christening at Nha Trang
shipyard.
The firm decided to invest in renewing its fleet due to
strong global demand for the transportation of refined petroleum
products, a trend supported by a drop in crude oil prices and
the transfer of refineries from consumer regions to
oil-producing ones.
"The renewal of the fleet, which will lead to reduced fuel
consumption and cut emissions by 20-30%, is part of a $775
million programme," D'Amico said.
The company plans to produce 22 units by 2018, with 10
already delivered.
China produces up to 900 thousand barrels of diesel a day
and has problems exporting - which creates interesting business
opportunities, D'Amico added.
The company expects to end 2015 on a positive note after
posting revenue of $30 million in June, on an upward trend that
began last November when the market firmed up and resumed
growing, he said.
DIS posted debt of $374 million at the end of the first
semester and expects to lower it to $300 million between 2017
and 2018, D'Amico said.
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