Purus Marine orders two ethane VLECs

UK-based owner Purus Marine has placed an order for two very large ethane carriers (VLECs) at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

The 98,000 cu m units will deliver in 2026 and 2027 for a price tag of $170m each, according to a regulatory filing by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the shipbuilding holding company of HD Hyundai Heavy.

The newbuilds will feature dual-fuel ethane engines and optimised cargo handling systems, enabling lower CO2 and SOx emissions as well as additional energy-saving devices to further contribute to emission reductions.

Julian Proctor-led Purus said that both vessels will be delivered directly into long-term time charters. The fast-growing company, established in 2020, has been involved in over 60 deals in various shipping segments, including ammonia, LNG, offshore wind, carbon capture and scrubber-fitted containerships and electric ferries. In May, the company revealed orders at Hyundai Mipo for four 45,000 cu m dual fuel ammonia-ready medium-sized gas carriers, expected to primarily carry ammonia.