IceChem Tankers has announced that its partners TB Marine and Ektank have signed newbuilding contracts for four chemical tankers of 22,000 deadweight tonnes, designed for operations in the North Atlantic basin.

The vessels will feature Marine Line coating and 1A Ice Class certification. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in fall 2026, with subsequent ships arriving every three months until the final vessel is delivered in summer 2027.

The tankers are designed to be fuel efficient and will demonstrate what the company claims are the lowest possible greenhouse gas emission impact of any conventional ships. The vessels will also be equipped to use green methanol as fuel when it becomes available through a viable bunkering network for the company's trades and vessel size.

Michael Adeltoft, managing director of IceChem Tankers, said the new vessels would enable the company to offer cargo intake capacity into and out of the Great Lakes — described as a core trade for the company.

"We are also very excited to bring these chemical tankers to market, enabling IceChem Tankers to offer the highest cargo intake into and out of the Great Lakes," Adeltoft stated in the announcement.

The company said improved economies of scale would be achievable for customers who can utilise up to 15,000 tonnes of cargo intake on Seaway draft.

The announcement was made as part of IceChem Tankers' fleet expansion programme targeting its North Atlantic operations.