#ArdmoreGroup – As previously reported, Ardmore Shipping Group has purchased two 50,300 dwt IMO 3 class eco-product tankers worth $68m / €50m from South Korean shipbuilders, SSP, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Ardmore Shipping eventually intend to control a 24-strong fleet and recently the shipping group based out of Mahon in Cork Harbour, was floated on the New York Stock Exchange which raised $140m.

According to The Sunday Independent, the float made $128m in cash combined with a $235m credit facility is to fund an expanding fleet programme.

Currently the latest fleet member is Ardmore Seavaliant of 49,999dwt and her sister Ardmore Seaventure. Both these product-tankers were also completed by SSP Shipbuilding. In addition, there is a trio of product tankers albeit slightly smaller in the region of 46,000dwt.

Completing the fleet, there is another trio of vessels, albeit chemical tankers which range from 17,000-29,000 dwt. Likewise, they were launched from the same shipyard on the Korean peninsula. To review current feet and newbuild orders, click this LINK.

Ardmore Shipping was founded in 2010 and in which is ultimately controlled from the Pacific Ocean state of the Marshall Islands, where the entire fleet is registered and flagged.