An estimated 96 tankers totaling 10.34 million dwt were delivered by world shipyards in 1991, says the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (Intertanko), Oslo.
Deliveries in 1991 compared with 69 tankers of 6.95 million dwt in 1990.
Deliveries in 1992 are expected to total 183 tankers and combined carriers of 20.05 million dwt, followed by 162 vessels of 20.8 million dwt in 1993.
Even if scrapping doubles in 1992 to about 6 million dwt, there still would be an increase in the world tanker fleet of about 14 million dwt.
Intertanko is concerned that deliveries might upset the tanker supply/demand balance. The net change in 1990 amounted to an increase in the world fleet of 11 tankers totaling 4.37 million dwt, rising to 61 tankers totaling 6.6 million dwt in 1991.
Intertanko said the order book for tankers and combined carriers stood at 380 vessels of 45.64 million dwt as of last Dec. 1, compared with 362 tankers and 42.7 million dwt on the same date in 1990.
Copyright 1992 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.
