SFL Sells 18-year-old VLCC

Ship Finance International Limited (SFL) has agreed to sell the 1998 built VLCC Front Century to an unrelated third party, and has simultaneously agreed to terminate the corresponding charter party for the 18-year old crude oil carrier with a subsidiary of Frontline Ltd.

The vessel is expected to be delivered to its new owner in the first quarter of 2017, and the net sales price will be approximately $24 million, including a compensation from Frontline for the early termination of the charter.

According to SFL, divesting of older vessels is a part of the company's strategy to renew and diversify the fleet, and the proceeds are expected to be reinvested in new assets. Following this sale, the number of vessels on charter to Frontline will be reduced to 12 vessels, including 10 VLCCs and two Suezmax crude oil tankers.