Page 10: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (March 2003)

Vessels

ULCC: Hellespont Alhambra Proves Efficient

Hellespont Alhambra is the first of the series of four new ultra-high spec double hull ULCCs delivered to Piraeus,

Greece-based Hellespont Group. At the beginning of February, the 442.000-dwt ship immediately demonstrated its flex- ibility and economy of scale, delivering a full cargo of Middle East crude to

Rotterdam, following a swift voyage from the Middle East Gulf to Europe via the Suez Canal.

Alex Papachristidis-Bove. president and co-chartering manager of Seatramp

Tankers, Hellespont's commercial man- agement, said "It's exciting to come up with innovative solutions, successfully execute them for our clients, and know that we provide a unique service that is appreciated. The quality of design and build of these ships, their structural soundness, and the high quality of the hand-picked crew allow us to do these voyages. Our newbuilding ULCCs have not yet had the chance to trade with all of our clients, but those who have used them have first hand knowledge that their speed, flexibility and economies of scale result in a lower dollar per barrel transportation cost."

Hellespont Alhambra lifted more than 400.000 tons of crude ex Kharg Island and Juaymah on January 8, 2003, and delivered in Rotterdam on February 3, giving a voyage average speed of 16.5 knots. The oil major cargo will be part- discharged at Ain Shukna and re-loaded at Sidi Kerir following the Suez transit.

Hellespont Alhambra and sister ship

Hellespont Metropolis have been in con- stant employment since they were deliv- ered in early 2002. The Hellespont

Alhambra was the largest tanker ever to discharge in the Santa Catalina Gulf, 20 miles off Long Beach, Calif, in May 2002 on its maiden voyage. The

Hellespont Metropolis recently became The 442,000-dwt Hellespont Alhambra

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