Singapore's Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) is making a strategic exit from the chemical tanker market. The company is selling its entire fleet of 14 chemical tankers in a single transaction to two operators, Ace Tankers and Womar Tankers. The deal is anticipated to conclude this week, pending standard closing conditions. The vessels involved in the transaction are chemical tankers with capacities starting from 19,000 deadweight tons (dwt).
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this move signifies a consolidation within the chemical tanker segment. While EPS is a significant player, its exit might lead to minor shifts in capacity allocation or service offerings for chemical cargo, depending on the operational strategies of Ace Tankers and Womar Tankers. Shippers of liquid bulk chemicals may experience adjustments in available tonnage or pricing structures as the new owners integrate these vessels into their existing fleets. However, given the specialized nature of chemical tanker operations, the immediate impact on broader freight rates or capacity is likely to be contained within this niche sector.