The Connecticut-based operator says a new member has joined Sigma Tankers and will commit two 105,300-dwt vessels to the fleet.
In a statement the company noted Conti Shipping of Germany plans to rename the Alpine Alaskaand Alpine Athelia(both built 2009) prior to enrolment in the first quarter of 2014.
Heidmar acknowledged that it has been actively trying to expand its presence in the LR2 segment in anticipation of what it described as a “strengthening global product tanker market”.
While the company did not shed light on the current size of Sigma, observers note there were 39 vessels and nearly 20 members when Nan Fung Shipping of Hong Kong joined last month.
In addition to the LR2s, which will be renamed Conti Alaska and Conti Madagascar prior to delivery, Conti controls six medium-range products tankers that trade in the UPT Handy Pool, according to VesselsValue.com.
When the owner took delivery of the Conti Alaska the ship was christened by the wife of Sigma managing director Glenn Gronseth. A five-year charter with ST Shipping & Transport under the name Alpine Alaska began not long after.
Heidmar is based in Norwalk, Connecticut where it oversees a fleet of over 100 crude, chemical and products tankers. The company is owned by Morgan Stanley and Greek shipping magnate George Economou.
