UAE-based Tristar Group held on May 28 a christening ceremony for the Silver Manoora, the first of six MR product/chemical tankers ordered from South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD).

"This is indeed a red letter day for Tristar. Today we are proud owners of a brand new ship with five more to follow during the course of this year," said Tristar Group CEO Eugene Mayne.

"Last year, in September I had the pleasure of visiting this shipyard for the steel cutting ceremony which at that time looked like a simple hydraulic cutting of a very normal looking steel plate. Nine months later the steel plate has been transformed into the beautiful Silver Manoora which we see floating before us today," Mayne added.

In 2013, Tristar placed a US$200m order for six new tankers with HMD. Scheduled for delivery in 2016, the tankers have an improved hull form design, which makes them more fuel efficient and eco-friendly.

Once delivered, all six tankers will be placed on long term time charter with oil major Shell, according to Tristar.

Featuring a length of 183 meters and a width of 32 meters, the Silver Manoora has a maximum speed of 14.2 knots.