ASP Expands Its Fleet with Two New MR2 Tankers from K Shipbuilding
Changwon, Republic of Korea – On April 3, 2026, Asia Pacific Shipping Company Limited (ASP) marked an important milestone in its fleet development programme with the naming ceremony of two new 50,000 DWT MR2 oil/chemical tankers, ASP MAPLE (IMO 1078884) and ASP CEDAR (IMO 1078896), at K Shipbuilding’s Jinhae yard in Changwon.
ASP MAPLE was delivered on the same day, followed by the delivery of ASP CEDAR on May 12, 2026.
The addition of the two vessels represents another significant milestone in ASP’s ongoing fleet renewal programme, following the delivery of ASP RAINBOW and ASP SUNSHINE, the first commercial vessels in Vietnam to feature methanol dual-fuel technology.
A Traditional Maritime Ceremony
The naming ceremony followed established maritime tradition, with two godmothers carrying out the rope-cutting ceremony to officially name the vessels.
Ms. Nguyen Quynh Anh, representing ASP, named ASP MAPLE, while Ms. Le Thi Bich Diep named ASP CEDAR.
The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Chan Kim, Chief Executive Officer of K Shipbuilding, and attended by senior representatives from ASP, K Shipbuilding and the vessels’ charterer.
A pre-naming dinner held the evening before brought together members of the project teams to mark the completion of the two sister vessels and recognise the cooperation between the teams throughout the construction period.
Built for International Trade
ASP MAPLE and ASP CEDAR are sister 50,000 DWT MR2 oil/chemical tankers, classed by Korean Register (KR) as IMO Type 2 & 3 vessels.
The vessels are configured with six grades and double-valve segregation, enabling them to carry a range of clean petroleum products and chemical cargoes while providing flexibility for different cargo requirements and commercial employment.
Both vessels are IMO NOx Tier III compliant and equipped with an exhaust gas cleaning system, supporting ASP’s focus on efficient vessel operations and compliance with applicable international environmental requirements.
Technical management of the vessels is provided by Anglo-Eastern Tanker Management (Hong Kong) Limited, while ASP retains responsibility for their commercial operation.
Continuing ASP’s Newbuilding Programme
ASP MAPLE and ASP CEDAR form part of the company’s broader newbuilding programme, supporting the continued renewal and development of its fleet.
The vessels follow ASP RAINBOW and ASP SUNSHINE, ASP’s first commercial vessels featuring methanol dual-fuel technology. Together, these new-generation vessels reflect ASP’s continued investment in modern tanker tonnage and technologies that support more efficient and responsible maritime transportation.
ASP’s fleet development strategy combines investment in modern vessels with disciplined commercial and technical management. Through continued fleet renewal, the company is working to strengthen its capabilities as a Vietnamese shipowner serving international markets.
Strengthening Long-Term Partnerships
The successful completion and delivery of ASP MAPLE and ASP CEDAR reflect the close cooperation between ASP and K Shipbuilding throughout the construction process.
ASP values the contribution of the project teams, shipyard and partners involved in delivering the two vessels. Their cooperation and commitment supported the vessels’ completion and handover in accordance with the project requirements.
“On behalf of Asia Pacific Shipping, we would like to thank K Shipbuilding for the quality of construction and smooth handover of the vessels. We also recognise the dedication and close cooperation of the project teams on both sides throughout the construction process.”
Looking Ahead
The delivery of ASP MAPLE and ASP CEDAR represents another important step in ASP’s long-term fleet development strategy.
ASP will continue to invest in modern and efficient vessels, strengthen its commercial and technical capabilities, and develop long-term partnerships across the international maritime industry.
Through responsible shipowning, fleet renewal and continuous improvement, ASP aims to build a modern and future-ready fleet that can serve customers reliably across global markets.
About Asia Pacific Shipping
Asia Pacific Shipping (ASP) is an independent, wholly private Vietnamese shipowner and operator of tankers and bulk carriers. Founded by experienced maritime professionals, ASP has grown from bulk carrier operations into a diversified shipowning business with an expanding tanker fleet and a long-term newbuilding programme.
ASP combines shipowning, commercial operations and technical management to operate its fleet safely, efficiently and reliably across international markets.
