Gulf Navigation Holding (GNH), the region’s rapidly growing oil and chemical carrier and ST Shipping and Trading, Switzerland - based Glencore’s shipping arm, one of the largest oil trading houses in the world, have signed a time charter agreement for three ships at an approximate value of USD40 million (AED145 million).
Under the terms of the agreement, GNH will time-charter two ships to ST Shipping and Trading for up to two years under long-term fixed rate employment, and a third at a floating market rate with a fixed minimum charter rate. The process for delivery of the three vessels will be completed in the next few days.
The vessels are double hull, 48,000 metric tones deadweight each and have liquid capacity of about 50,000 cubic meters. The vessels are capable of speeds up to 15 knots.
Speaking about the contract, Ghazi Al Ibrahim, Managing Director and CEO of Gulf Navigation Holding said: “The confidence Glencore has placed in us through this deal reflects the credibility of our operations as a global operator. This also demonstrates the strong demand and excellent rates that our fleet commands in the shipping market. We are happy to include Glencore in our global list of long term partnerships and look forward to grow this relationship further.”
Gulf Navigation is now amid an initial public offering of AED910 million, to list on the Dubai Financial Market, which is currently open to subscription from GCC nationals and corporations.
The receiving banks for the subscription in the UAE include National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Financial Services, Finance House, First Gulf Bank, Mashreqbank, National Bank of Fujairah, Union National Bank and HSBC. In addition to the UAE, HSBC will open its branches for subscription in Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
About Gulf Navigation Holding:
Gulf Navigation Holding is an ISO 9001:2000 certified Dubai-based company and one of the leaders of the shipping and marine services industry in the region. It is a United Arab Emirates holding entity with operations worldwide and 11 specialised subsidiaries. The company owns and charters VLCCs, Chemical and Product Tankers. It is also the sole agent for a large number of global marine manufacturers.
