---

Erik Thun AB-owned Thun Tankers has confirmed the order of four LNG-fuelled, energy-efficient coastal tankers.

The chemical tanker vessels are to be built by Scheepswerf Ferus Smit B.V. in the Netherlands - a company with which Erik Thun Group has a long-standing relationship. The shipyard has previously built more than thirty ships for the Sweden-based owner of Thun Tankers.

The new vessels will be of a similar size to the sixteen tankers Thun Tankers currently operates. The intention is to gradually replace some of the existing tankers with the ordered newbuilds.

In a statement on Friday, Thun Tankers said: "The intention is to offer sister-ships where the use of LNG as a fuel is a possibility, depending [on] our clients' request. Having built the world's first dry cargo ships that [use] LNG as a fuel, 'MV Ireland' and 'MV Greenland', Erik Thun has a solid knowledge of operating vessels that uses natural gas as a fuel."

"Focus on sustainability, new regulations, environmental care and customers' needs has been key when developing the new vessels that will be built to the absolute latest design," the company added.

Anders Kallsson, CEO, Erik Thun AB, remarked: "We in Erik Thun have always had a high focus on resource efficiency that translates into modern environmental care. We are convinced that these vessels will contribute to provide the best logistical and most environmental friendly transport solution to our customers."

Joakim Lund, CCO Thun Tankers, said: "This series of new tankers will continue to provide our clients with the dynamics of always having climate smart high quality tankers in the right position at the requested time."

Johan Kallsson, Deputy Managing Director, Erik Thun AB, commented: "We always strive to meet our customers' various demands with sustainable solutions. With this order we intend to further extend that offer by building a series of identical sister ships where some uses LNG as a fuel and others dont."

Vessels' details:

Delivery: Q4 2018 and onwards
Dwt: 7,999
Cubic (98%): 9,500 m3
Ice Class: 1A
Cargo Heating: Yes
IMO: Type II
LoA: 115 m
Beam: 15.8 m
Draft: 6.9 m