D'Amico celebrates two new eco-ships

(ANSA) - Nha Trang (Vietnam), October 9 - 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.