Irish owner Ardmore Shipping has expanded its tanker fleet with the acquisition of one tanker and the chartering in of another.

The company confirmed that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a 2010-built 50,093 DWT Japanese-built MR tanker for a price of $16.7m. Shipbroking sources reported that the vessel is Maersk Murotsu, sold by Japanese owner Fuyo Kaiun.

Additionally, the company agreed to charter-in a 47,981 DWT 2010 Japanese-built MR product tanker for one year at a rate of approximately $13,400 per day, plus a one-year extension option. Delivery is expected in September 2020.

Ardmore Shipping has 25 vessels in operation, including 19 MR tankers and six product tankers.