"We see light at the end of the tunnel for the chemical tanker industry with a pretty low order book and prospects of a more normal world after Covid-19", Overås said to why the company is investing in ships at this point. EGD Holding is involved in various business sectors and has in recent years increased its stake in shipping. Currently, the company owns six product- and chemical tanker vessels managed by Champion Tankers, and is the second-largest owner in Klaveness Combination Carriers.
And now also with a growing collaboration with Odfjell. Bow Hector was implemented in our commercial fleet last year, and the two new ships are expected to be delivered to Odfjell Tankers in the first half of this year.
The ships in question are the 2008-built Liberty and Argent Bloom, purchased from Greece-based Alberta Shipmanagement. When delivered to Odfjell, they will change names to Bow Agathe and Bow Caroline respectively. The vessels are sisterships to our Bow Compass and Bow Harmony and are 33,000 dwt with 16 stainless steel tanks.
"EGD is a local family business with a strategic interest in shipping and a clear mission to support and invest in businesses operated out of Bergen. We have established an effective and positive partnership with their shipping section, and look forward to introducing Chempool 33 to our customers. Together with our own fleet renewal program and the ongoing expansion of pool partnerships, we are closing in on nearly 100 high-quality vessels in the Odfjell commercial fleet, and further strengthen our competitive strength in a challenging market."
Bjørn Hammer, Global Head of Tanker Trading
Upon delivery, Odfjell will formally establish Chempool 33, and the Odfjell pool operation will consist of the following sections:
The three EGD ships will be technically managed by Thome. As announced previously, all these commercial pools are now hosted by the Pool Management team, headed by Per Christian Jæger.