Latvian Shipping To Update Aging Fleet

Latvian Shipping has reportedly begun a renewal of its aging fleet by placing an order for six new tankers. According to company officials, the firm had signed a letter of intent with Korean shipbuilders to construct tankers worth between $168 million to $210 million and is awaiting a go-ahead from the Latvian privatization agency. The company has had problems with fleet renewal due to its stalled privatization. It now operates a total of 60 ships, including 36 tankers, two LPG tankers and 19 reefer vessels. The average age of the company's tanker fleet is 17.3 years, while the average age of competing fleets is 8.4 years.