Luxembourg | December 29, 2025 – d’Amico International Shipping S.A. (DIS) has announced a significant step in its fleet decarbonization strategy, signing a shipbuilding contract for two “Eco-design” Medium Range (MR1) product tankers. The vessels will be constructed at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China for a total investment of US$86.4 million ($43.2 million per vessel).
The 40,000 DWT tankers are scheduled for delivery in April and July 2029. The agreement also includes an option for d’Amico to order two additional sister ships within the next three months.
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A New Benchmark in Fuel Efficiency
The standout feature of these newbuilds is a dramatic reduction in daily bunker consumption. According to d’Amico CEO Carlos di Mottola, these vessels will be the most efficient in the company’s history.
- Fuel Savings: The GSI-built ships are expected to consume approximately 4.0 metric tons less fuel oil per day (20% reduction) at design draft and normal continuous rating compared to the company’s existing eco-design MR1s.
- Increased Intake: Despite the lower fuel burn, the ships feature an optimized design allowing them to transport roughly 4,000 cubic meters more cargo (8% increase).
Multi-Fuel & Future-Ready Technology
For the shipping industry, these vessels represent the “transitional” class of tankers designed to handle the shift toward alternative fuels:
- Methanol-Ready: The ships will be delivered with notations and structural provisions to be easily converted to methanol propulsion.
- Biofuel Certified: The engines are fully certified to burn various biofuel blends, a fuel segment d’Amico has been actively testing across its fleet.
- Onshore Power (Cold Ironing): The tankers will be equipped to receive shore power, allowing them to shut down auxiliary engines while at berth to eliminate port-side emissions.
- Cyber Resilience: The vessels will meet the latest maritime standards for digital security and automated systems.
Fleet Renewal Strategy
The order follows d’Amico’s recent divestment of four older vessels over the last two years. Currently, the DIS fleet consists of 29 double-hulled tankers with an average age of 9.5 years. By targeting the MR1 segment, which currently faces a limited global orderbook and an aging international fleet, d’Amico aims to secure a competitive advantage as major charterers increasingly demand high-efficiency, low-emission tonnage.
About d’Amico International Shipping
d’Amico International Shipping S.A. (DIS) is a global leader in the product tanker market, specializing in the transport of refined petroleum products, chemicals, and vegetable oils. A subsidiary of the storied d’Amico Società di Navigazione S.p.A., the company combines a rich heritage of family enterprise with a modern, high-specification fleet ranging from 35,000 to 75,000 DWT.
Publicly traded on the Borsa Italiana and the OTCQX, DIS operates a sophisticated network of offices in major maritime hubs including London, Monaco, and Singapore. The company is currently a frontrunner in maritime decarbonization, maintaining a young, double-hulled fleet and investing heavily in “eco-design” vessels that prioritize fuel efficiency and readiness for future fuels like methanol and biofuels.
Source: d’Amico International Shipping