
A B2B Market, Technical Vetting, and Compliance Guide for Shipbrokers, Energy Traders, and Fleet Managers
Prepared by Oitha Marine Chartering & Ship Brokerage Desk
Executive Summary & Market Positioning
In the high-stakes world of global energy transport, Aframax tankers serve as the indispensable workhorses of regional crude and heavy product trades. This technical brief details a premier 106,650 DWT Aframax Tanker built by the world-renowned Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Japan) in June 2005. Designed with superior structural integrity and Japanese engineering precision, this asset presents a key opportunity for commodity traders, charterers, and shipowners seeking high-capacity crude oil and dirty petroleum product (DPP) transport.
Distinguishing itself with an elite Condition Assessment Program (CAP 1) rating, the vessel confirms that its machinery, hull, and structural components maintain a condition equivalent to a newly built asset. With a massive volumetric capacity of 120,288.92 CBM (at 98%) across 3 full segregations, thermal heating capabilities up to 66°C, and a fully fitted Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS), this Aframax offers exceptional operational readiness for immediate deployment across Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indo-Pacific trades following delivery in October–November 2026.
Detailed Vessel Technical Specifications
Below is a technical specification breakdown structured for technical review by chartering desks, vetting departments, and maritime financiers:
| Parameter | Technical Specification / Description |
| Vessel Type & Class | Aframax Oil / Product Tanker (Double Hull) |
| Deadweight & Draft | Approximately 106,650 Metric Tons (DWT) on 14.80 Meter Summer |
| Principal Dimensions | Length Overall (LOA): 246.80m | Molded Beam: 42.00m |
| Builder & Country | Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Japan (June 2005) |
| Classification Society | Lloyd’s Register (LR) |
| Survey Position | Special Survey (SS) valid through 27/06/2030 | Drydocking (DD) valid through 21/09/2028 |
| Structural Assessment | CAP 1 Rating (Condition Assessment Program – Highest Quality Standard) |
| Main Propulsion | MAN B&W 6S50MC-C Low-Speed 2-Stroke Diesel Engine | Total Output: 18,144 BHP |
| Cargo Capacity | 120,288.92 CBM at 98% Volumetric Capacity |
| Cargo Segregations & Heating | 3 Fully Independent Segregations | Cargo Heating Capacity up to 66°C |
| Environmental Standards | Fully Fitted with USCG/IMO Approved Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) |
| Delivery Window | TBA |
Engineering Superiority: The Imabari & CAP 1 Advantage
The combination of Japanese shipbuilding heritage and rigorous structural maintenance sets this asset apart in the global chartering market:
- Imabari Japanese Shipbuilding Integrity: Japanese yards are globally renowned for steel quality, high-precision fatigue-resistant welds, and robust mechanical construction. This gives the vessel a longer operational lifespan and lower hull fatigue compared to peers.
- CAP 1 Structural & Machinery Rating: A Condition Assessment Program (CAP) rating of ‘1’ is the highest possible grade awarded by classification societies like Lloyd’s Register. It verifies that the hull plating, tank coatings, structural framing, main engine, and auxiliary machinery have been independently inspected, ultrasonically tested, and maintained to near-new conditions.
- Long-Term Class Security: With her Lloyd’s Register Special Survey (SS) fully passed and valid through June 2030 and Drydocking (DD) cleared until September 2028, charterers and buyers are insulated from major off-hire events and expensive shipyard capital expenditures for years to come.
Cargo Flexibility, Heating, and Trade Route Suitability
This Aframax is engineered to maximize commercial yields across challenging heavy oil trades and dirty petroleum product (DPP) routes:
- Heavy Cargo & Thermal Management: Equipped with thermal cargo heating systems capable of maintaining temperatures up to 66°C. This allows the vessel to efficiently transport high-viscosity crude oils, fuel oil (HSFO/VLSFO), vacuum gas oil (VGO), and heavy feedstock without risk of cargo solidification or pumping delays during discharge in cold-weather ports.
- Optimized Volumetrics & Segregations: Featuring 3 full cargo segregations and a capacity of 120,288 CBM, the vessel allows charterers to optimize parcel sizes across short-sea and long-haul trades. Her 18,144 BHP MAN B&W main engine guarantees reliable transit speeds and power output even under heavy sea conditions.
B2B Compliance, Technical Vetting & Risk Management
For shipbrokers, commodity traders, and oil majors, verifying regulatory alignment and vetting approval is critical prior to fixing tonnage:
1. Oil Major Vetting Readiness
With a CAP 1 rating and dual-hull protection, this vessel meets the demanding physical condition thresholds required for SIRE 2.0 inspections and Oil Major vetting approvals, making her an ideal candidate for long-term time charters with global energy majors.
2. Environmental & Port State Control Compliance
- BWTS Compliance: Fully fitted with a Ballast Water Treatment System, allowing unrestricted operation across strict discharge jurisdictions including US waters and European ports.
- MARPOL & SOLAS Alignment: Complete compliance with international environmental standards, minimizing Port State Control (PSC) detention risks.
3. Trade Route Governance & Sanctions Clearance
Oitha Marine subjects every vessel in its portfolio to strict sanctions screening, AIS tracking analysis, and ownership history verification to ensure full alignment with UN, EU, and OFAC trade compliance rules.
Why Partnering with Oitha Marine Delivers Strategic Value
Executing high-value S&P transactions or period charters in the Aframax segment requires deep technical expertise, transparent documentation, and commercial sharpness. Oitha Marine is your ideal brokerage partner because:
- Deep Technical Due Diligence: Our team goes far beyond broker spec sheets. We analyze CAP reports, class survey records, ultrasonic thickness measurements, and engine performance logs to provide an unbiased assessment of asset health.
- Seamless Commercial Fixturing: We provide end-to-end support—from initial price guidance and term negotiations to charter party drafting (BIMCO/BPO standard) and delivery management off global bunkering hubs.
- Absolute Compliance Transparency: We prioritize risk mitigation, protecting our clients from legal, counterparty, and operational exposure through rigorous background checking and transparent deal structuring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does a CAP 1 rating mean for prospective charterers or buyers?
Answer: A CAP 1 (Condition Assessment Program) rating is the highest possible mark given by classification societies. It signifies that the vessel’s hull structure, machinery, and electrical systems have been thoroughly inspected and tested, proving they remain in near-new, top-tier operational condition.
Q2: What is the delivery timeframe for this Aframax Tanker?
Answer: The vessel is scheduled for delivery to buyers or long-term charterers between October and November 2026, allowing incoming operators ample time to coordinate commercial positioning.
Q3: Why is the 66°C heating capacity significant for crude traders?
Answer: Maintaining cargo temperatures at 66°C is critical for transporting heavy crudes, residual fuel oils, and dirty petroleum products that require high heat to stay fluid. This ensures smooth, rapid discharge at destination terminals without off-hire delays.
Q4: What is the status of the vessel’s major class surveys?
Answer: The vessel’s Lloyd’s Register Special Survey (SS) is passed and valid until June 2030, while her Drydocking (DD) is valid through September 2028. No major class survey expenditure is required in the immediate future.
Q5: Is the vessel equipped with a Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS)?
Answer: Yes, the vessel is fully BWTS fitted, guaranteeing seamless compliance with IMO and USCG ballast water management conventions for worldwide trading.
Q6: How can charterers or buyers inspect this vessel through Oitha Marine?
Answer: Qualified buyers and charterers can contact Oitha Marine to receive the complete technical pack, class status reports, CAP documentation, and inspection itineraries.
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