KUALA LUMPUR: Lianson Fleet Group Bhd said its wholly-owned subsidiary Lianson Fleet Pte Ltd has signed two memoranda of agreement (MOA) to acquire two Ultramax-class bulk carriers - MV Tian Mu Shan and MV Yan Dang Shan - for US$52.32mil (RM213.2mil) cash.
It said the purchase of the vessels is in line with its strategy to enlarge its marine transport arm by focusing on long-term charter asset classes. This will continue to enhance Liason Fleet’s earnings visibility and reinforce its position as Malaysia’s largest dry bulk maritime asset player.
"The expansion of our bulk carrier fleet is a continuation of this strategy, allowing us to participate in global dry bulk shipping markets that are supported by different demand cycles from our core offshore businesses.
"We are strategically positioning the group with a stronger foundation of recurring income, greater earnings resilience and enhanced participation across the regional and international maritime value chain," said Lianson Fleet managing director Lim Chern Wooi in a statement.
Upon completion of these two vessel acquisitions alongside the recently announced supramax bulk carrier to be delivered in August, the group’s marine transport fleet will expand to a total of 41 vessels – comprising 17 barges, 17 tugboats and 7 bulk carriers.
The vessel acquisitions are expected to be completed by October 2026.
According to the group's filing with Bursa Malaysia, the vessels, which have a deadweight tonnage of 63,437 and 63,301 tonnes respectively, are larger in size than the group's current bulk carrier fleet of Supramaxes.
Delivery of the MV Tian Mu Shan is expected from June 11 to Aug 11, 2026, while MV Yan Dang Shan is expected to be delivered from Sept 10 to Oct 10, 2026.
