Hunter Group chooses OSM for technical management of newbuild VLCC fleet

OSM Maritime has announced that it has secured a contract for the full technical management of Hunter Group’s state-of-the-art fleet of eco design SMART VLCCs, currently under construction at DSME in Korea. Hunter Group has eight identical 336m vessels, set to be delivered towards the end of 2019 and into 2020. The Hunter vessels will be managed from OSM’s base in Arendal, Norway, which offers an established strength in specialist tanker services.

Strategic alliance

“This is the beginning of a strong strategic alliance between two Norwegian headquartered companies with clear global ambitions,” commented Hunter Group CEO Erik A. S. Frydendal. “We have our sights set on making a real impact within the segment when the new vessels arrive, and we need a partner with the technical management expertise to really fulfil the potential we see ahead of us.

“After a thorough process it became clear that OSM was to be that preferred, long-term partner. The team has strong global capabilities, a full service, personal approach and the latest technology – to fully optimise operations across the fleet – at their disposal.

“We aim to provide our customers with truly world-class vessels and service, and our stakeholders with optimal returns. To do that we need the best management resource. With OSM on board we have that. I’m looking forward to working together in the coming years.”

Adding value

Hunter Group’s new tanker fleet are advanced vessels with 340,000 cbm cargo tank capacity, cruising speeds of 14.8 knots and, to ensure complete compliance with IMO 2020 regulations, open loop scrubber systems from Wärtsila. Each vessel will be manned by a crew of 30 experienced seafarers.

“Hunter Group is a bold new player within the VLCC segment and we’re delighted they have entrusted OSM to handle full fleet technical management,” commented OSM CCO Tommy Olofsen. “We have a long heritage of successful tanker operations and will be combining that seasoned expertise with innovative technical and data-driven solutions to deliver the best value services for Hunter.

“We believe we can help this ambitious, limber and highly intelligent team gain a strong foothold in the market, showcasing the value and performance capabilities of these new assets. Hunter is an exciting customer, with an exciting vision. It’s an honour to be a trusted partner in this project.”

For more information visit www.osm.no

17th June 2019