14-May-2015
Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group (Sinopacific) held a christening ceremony on Thursday at its Dayang Shipyard for a newly constructed ultramax bulk carrier (CROWN 63 type) ordered by Stephanos E. Angelakos-led shipowner and operator Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. The vessel was christened MV Sinica Graeca by the Godmother, Madam Grace Yang, the wife of the former Chinese Ambassador to Greece. The name “Sinica” is derived from the ancient Greek word for China. The 63K DWT ultramax bulk carrier MV Sinica Graeca is the first in a series of four ultramax bulk carriers ordered by Greek shipowner and operator Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. and represents the first collaboration between the Athens-based shipowner and operator Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. and a Chinese shipbuilder. Mr. Evangelos Angelakos, Chairman of Angelakos (Hellas) S.A., attended the ceremony together with members of his team and family. The Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group (Sinopacific) CROWN 63 ultramax bulk carrier design prioritizes technological optimization and innovation through reduced bunker consumption, lighter total ship weight, and the integration of a mechanical and electrical system with a focus on environmental sustainability. The design fully meets the latest requirements of international conventions and regulations, including CSR and PSPC. Simon Liang, Chairman and CEO of Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group (Sinopacific), commented, “The essence of detail is determined by uncompromising efforts. We cherish details, and we cherish trust worldwide even more. I am very proud to say that the vessel to be delivered is a demonstration of what people committed to achieving great things can accomplish when they come together with respect for one another and a professional, cooperative attitude.” Established in 1968, Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. is a privately owned and family-run Greek shipping firm based in Athens, with a long-standing presence in the international dry bulk sector. Known for its traditional values and modern approach, Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. operates a fleet of bulk carriers with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. Over the decades, Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. has built enduring partnerships with global charterers, shipbuilders, and classification societies while maintaining a strong commitment to crew welfare and professional development. The decision to order ultramax bulk carriers from a Chinese shipyard underscores Angelakos (Hellas) S.A.’s strategic focus on fleet renewal, technological advancement, and operational efficiency, reflecting its continued dedication to quality-driven maritime operations and long-term sustainability in a competitive global market.
7-May-2015
German shipowner and operator Blumenthal JMK (Bluships) is transitioning its capesize bulk carrier construction agreements to suezmax tankers. Hamburg-based shipowner and operator Reederei Johann MK Blumenthal (Bluships) is presently overseeing the crafting of four such bulk carriers at the esteemed Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. Alterations have been made to the vessels’ anticipated delivery schedules. Initially, three of these ships were set to make their maiden voyages this year, with the fourth embarking in 2016. However, the revised plan stipulates that all four will gracefully glide to their destinations by March 2017. This transformation signifies an adventurous venture into the tanker realm for the German conglomerate Reederei Johann MK Blumenthal (Bluships). Save for a singular 2,523 TEU containership, Reederei Johann MK Blumenthal’s (Bluships) majestic fleet primarily boasts bulk carriers, inclusive of five capesize bulk carriers, four panamax bulk carriers, five supramax bulk carriers, and a contingent of nine handysize bulk carriers. It’s noteworthy that Blumenthal JMK (Bluships) isn’t pioneering this shift from bulker constructions to tankers. Previously, in February, Scorpio Bulkers publicized its ambitions to modify its agreements for three nascent capesize vessels, redirecting them to three LR1 product tankers within an undisclosed South Korean dockyard.