ExxonMobil is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the United States. It has recently announced that they have secured up to four slots for new shuttle tanker builds in South Korea. This move is expected to strengthen the company’s transportation capabilities. Also, ensure efficient and safe delivery of oil and gas products to their customers.
Shipbuilding sources have reported that Samsung Heavy Industries will construct two vessels with a deadweight tonnage of 150,000. The company plans to deliver these vessels in June and December 2027. An option to build two additional units.
Samsung is the largest manufacturer of crude oil tankers for offshore oil wells. Subsea pipelines are impractical, transporting the crude oil to refineries or larger tankers.
Tenders typically trigger the construction of shuttle tanker, and companies usually charter them for five to ten years. Knutsen and Altera are among the key players in this field, while the owner of ExxonMobil’s two confirmed vessels remains unknown. According to brokers, SeaRiver Maritime, Exxon’s shipping division, may take on the responsibility of operating these vessels.
Companies primarily use shuttle tanker in the North Sea and Brazil. Petrobras recently awarded Greece’s Maran Tankers a contract for three newbuilds. ExxonMobil has plans to have six FPSOs operational offshore Guyana by the end of 2027, with delivery of the ships expected by that time.