Bahri Enters LPG Carrier Segment with Secondhand Tonnage | Mariner News
Saudi state-owned shipowner Bahri has officially entered the LPG carrier segment, acquiring three midsize fully refrigerated vessels from Belgium’s Exmar. This strategic move signifies a notable diversification for Bahri, extending its operational reach beyond its traditional tanker and dry bulk interests into the specialized gas transportation sector. The entry of a state-backed entity like Bahri could introduce a new competitive dimension to the midsize LPG market, particularly in trades originating from the Middle East.
The acquired tonnage includes the 2016-built Kortrijk, which has been renamed Gas Aqua, the 2017-built Kruibeke, and the 2018-built Wepion. The Kortrijk and Kruibeke each have a capacity of 38,500 cubic metres, while the Wepion offers 38,200 cubic metres. All three vessels are classed by Lloyd’s Register as fully refrigerated midsize gas carriers.
These ships were part of a larger five-vessel disposal package from Exmar, which also included the fully pressurised vessels Joan and Elisabeth, built in 2009 with capacities of approximately 3,540 cubic metres each. Exmar expects the combined sale to generate a US$35 million gain based on the ships’ book values and its ownership interests, highlighting its successful asset management strategy.
Deliveries of the vessels are scheduled for the latter half of 2026 and the first half of 2027, allowing for a phased integration of these relatively modern assets into Bahri’s fleet.
