Maritime Industry Briefing: Newbuild Orders, Fleet Transactions, and More

## Estonian Owner Amisco Expands Fleet with MPP Newbuilds Estonia's Amisco is growing its fleet with an order for two multipurpose dry cargo vessels at a shipyard in China. According to *Splash247*, the Tallinn-based owner has contracted Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry to construct a pair of 5,900 dwt ships, with deliveries scheduled for the first and second quarters of 2027. The new vessels will expand Amisco's existing fleet of multipurpose and general cargo ships. Multipurpose ships are versatile assets that can handle a variety of cargo types, from containers to bulk commodities, making them attractive investments for owners seeking flexibility. ## Exmar Buys Back VLGC from Lessor In another fleet transaction, Belgium's Exmar has agreed to repurchase a VLGC (very large gas carrier) that it had previously sold and leased back, *Splash247* reports. The 88,000 cu m Flanders Innovation is currently financed under a lease agreement that included a purchase option, which Exmar has now exercised. The move allows Exmar to bring the vessel back under its direct ownership, potentially providing more flexibility in how the company deploys the asset. VLGCs are large gas carriers used to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) such as propane and butane over long distances. ## Other Industry Developments In other recent maritime news: * Maersk has announced plans to establish a new regional logistics hub in Senegal, underscoring the company's continued investment in African supply chain infrastructure, according to *The Maritime Executive*. * The Port of Long Beach reported its busiest April on record, handling over 800,000 TEUs, as US West Coast ports continue to see elevated volumes despite broader economic headwinds, *gCaptain* reports. * The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted new regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from existing ships, marking another step in the industry's decarbonization efforts, *Lloyd's List* reports. These stories highlight the dynamic nature of the global maritime industry, with companies investing in fleet expansion, asset optimization, and infrastructure to meet evolving market demands and regulatory requirements. Staying informed on these developments is crucial for industry stakeholders to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.