Leonhardt & Blumberg Expands MR Tanker Fleet with New Orders

In the latest move to expand its presence in the MR tanker segment, Germany's Leonhardt & Blumberg has contracted China's Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for two more 49,500 DWT chemical/product carriers. The new orders build on Leonhardt & Blumberg's existing relationship with GSI, a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The Hamburg-based owner had previously placed orders for similar MR tankers with the Chinese yard. 'This latest investment underscores our confidence in the MR tanker market and our strategy of working with reliable shipbuilding partners to grow our fleet,' said Leonhardt & Blumberg's fleet director, Jens Mahnke. 'The new vessels will allow us to further diversify our portfolio and capitalize on evolving trade flows and changing environmental regulations.' The new 49,500 DWT ships are expected to be delivered in 2024 and 2025, joining Leonhardt & Blumberg's existing fleet of around 30 tankers. The company has been actively investing in the MR segment in recent years as it seeks to expand its presence in the clean petroleum products and chemical trades. According to industry analysts at Splash247, Leonhardt & Blumberg's latest orders reflect the continued strength of the MR tanker market, which has benefited from tight supply and strong demand for seaborne transportation of refined fuels and petrochemicals. The company's decision to partner with a Chinese yard also underscores the global nature of modern shipowning and shipbuilding.