Rethymnis & Kulukundis take delivery of the first vessel constructed at DSME Shandong Shipyard, the Lloyd’s-Register classed Astra Centaurus

Rethymnis & Kulukundis take delivery of the first vessel constructed at DSME Shandong Shipyard, the Lloyd’s-Register classed Astra Centaurus

Principals of Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd., the UK-based shipbrokers and agents, have taken delivery of the first vessel built at Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering's (DSME) new shipyard at Yantai, Shandong, China.

The 58,518 dwt Astra Centaurus, built to Lloyd’s Register class, is the first of two DSME-designed supramax bulk carriers constructed by DSME Shandong to the latest environmental and structural standards. The second ship, Astra Perseus, is expected to be delivered in September 2012. The duo are built to the latest environmental regulations, CSR guidelines and carrying ‘Green Passport’ notation

According to Dimitris Monioudis, the Technical Director for Rethymnis and Kulukundis, the shipbuilding project was a testament to the strong commitment of the stakeholders, which started at the pre-contract stage and continued throughout the design and construction of the ship.

“This is a very significant delivery for us because MV Astra Centaurus is the first green bulk carrier of our newbuilding project,” Monioudis said. “The delivery was greatly assisted by Lloyd’s Register’s worldwide network of technical experts in South Korea, the UK, Greece and China, who provided excellent levels of service. For this, we wish to extend to Lloyd's Register and DSME our most heartfelt thanks."