Scorpio Tankers is reshuffling its MR product tanker lineup, agreeing to sell four existing vessels while snapping up four modern newbuildings set to join its fleet in 2026 and 2027.
The Monaco-headquartered company, led by Emanuele Lauro (pictured), has signed deals to sell four 2014-built, scrubber-fitted MRs — STI Battery, STI Venere, STI Milwaukee and STI Yorkville — for $32m each. The transactions are expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
The vessels are financed under Scorpio’s $225m revolving credit facility, with around $7.3m of debt outstanding per ship.In parallel, Scorpio has agreed to buy four MR scrubber-fitted newbuilding resales currently under construction at Jingjiang Nanyang Shipbuilding in China. Each vessel will cost $45m, with deliveries staggered between the second quarter of 2026 and the second quarter of 2027.
Shipbuilding databases show Yangzijiang Financial Holding and EGPN Bulk Carrier with similar newbuilds lined up at the yard.
Lauro said the move aligns with Scorpio’s ongoing fleet renewal plan, maintaining the company’s modern profile while optimising capital efficiency.
“The sale of older MR vessels, together with the acquisition of modern, scrubber-equipped newbuildings, enhances the fleet’s age profile and overall quality while requiring minimal incremental capital expenditure,” he said.
The New York-listed company operates a fleet of 99 product tankers, comprising 38 LR2s, 47 MRs, and 14 handymaxes, with an average age of 9.5 years. Scorpio has been active on both sides of the sale and purchase market this year, agreeing to dispose of five MRs and two LR2s.
