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Petroleum tanker operator AET Shipmanagement (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (AET) has said that it is due to take delivery of its newest 'eco-design' Suezmax tanker by the end of this month.

The vessel, named Eagle San Pedro, is the last of four sister ships to join the fleet from Samsung Heavy Industries in Korea. The 158,000 dwt newbuild includes hull form optimization and de-rating of the main engine power for low load optimization, saver fins, a star propeller and rudder bulb to substantially reduce the amount of fuel used.

Yesterday, AET formally gave its commitment to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's (MPA) Maritime Singapore Green Pledge and Green Shipping Programme. President and CEO, Hor Weng Yew, signed-up to the initiative at a ceremony held in Singapore as part of the 17th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON).

The Green Shipping Programme is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of shipping and promoting green and clean shipping in Singapore. AET is participating in the Green Ship element of the programme, which encourages shipowners to adopt energy efficient ship designs that reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions. To qualify, owners have to submit an International Energy Efficiency Certificate that proves the vessels’ Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) exceeds the IMO’s minimum requirements.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hor Weng Yew said: "I am very proud to sign our commitment to this extremely worthwhile environmental programme. Protection of the natural environment features very highly on the corporate agenda of all responsible ship owners and, at AET, we are investing significant resources into ensuring we operate in the most environmentally friendly way possible.'

"By the end of the year, we would have taken delivery of four new 'eco-design' Suezmax tankers which are all operating under the Green Ship Programme. Next year, we will accept four new 'eco-design' VLCCs into our fleet. We are committed to a fleet rejuvenation programme that ensures all new vessels joining the fleet will be significantly more fuel-efficient than those they replace. This is good for us, good for our customers and good for the environment."

Image: Crude oil tanker Eagle Venice, built in 2005, owned by AET Shipmanagement (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.