Hellespont Alhambra to Deliver Cargo at Rotterdam

Hellespont Alhambra, the first of the series of four new ultra-high specification double hull ulccs now being delivered to Piraeus-based Hellespont Group, will deliver a full cargo of Middle East crude to Rotterdam at the beginning of February, following a swift voyage from the Middle East Gulf to Europe via the Suez Canal.

Alex Papachristidis-Bove, president and co-chartering manager of Seatramp Tankers, Hellespont's commercial management, says, "It's exciting to come up with innovative solutions, successfully execute them for our clients, and know that we provide a unique service that is appreciated. The quality of design and build of these ships, their structural soundness, and the high quality of the hand-picked crew allow us to do these voyages. Our newbuilding ulccs have not yet had the chance to trade with all of our clients, but those who have used them have first-hand knowledge that their speed, flexibility and economies of scale result in a lower dollar-per-barrel transportation cost." The Hellespont Alhambra lifted over 400,000 tonnes of crude ex Kharg Island and Juaymah on January 8, 2003, and is expected to deliver in Rotterdam on February 3, giving a voyage average speed of 16.5 knots. The oil major cargo will be part-discharged at Ain Shukna and re-loaded at Sidi Kerir following the Suez transit. The Hellespont Alhambra and her sister ship the Hellespont Metropolis have been in constant employment since they were delivered in early 2002. The Hellespont Alhambra was the largest tanker ever to discharge in the Santa Catalina Gulf, 20 miles off Long Beach, California in May 2002 on her maiden voyage. The Hellespont Metropolis recently became the first ulcc to lift a cargo of fuel oil in Rotterdam for delivery to Singapore. Both vessels have also lifted a number of cargoes from the AG for discharge in the US Gulf. The Hellespont Tara, the third of the series, was delivered in November 2002, and the Hellespont Fairfax, the fourth and final ulcc, will be delivered this March. Built at Korea's Daewoo yard to LR and ABS class, the vessels set new standards for large tanker strength and speed.