What Crew Members Say About Tulja-Bhavani

In a notable move within the maritime sector, an Indian conglomerate has acquired a secondhand Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) to serve as floating storage for Nigerian crude oil. According to brokers who spoke with IHS Maritime, the Sandesara Group successfully purchased the 1998-built VLCC, formerly known as Neptune Glory, for a sum of $23.15 million from Dr. Peters earlier this month. Following the acquisition, the vessel has been rebranded as Tulja Bhavani. Tracking data from IHS Maritime's Market Intelligence Network indicates that the Tulja Bhavani is currently en route to Lagos, Nigeria, with an estimated arrival date of September 16. The Sandesara Group, despite its low public profile, has established a diverse portfolio of business interests, prominently featuring oil exploration. The company’s subsidiary, Sterling Energy and Exploration Production Company (SEEPCo), manages four oil blocks exceeding 2,000 square meters in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta. Sandesara Group asserts its position as the first Indian operator and oil producer in Nigeria, a key country in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In a strategic partnership, the Indian Oil Corporation has collaborated with global trading powerhouse Glencore to obtain sweet crude oil produced by the Sandesara Group in Nigeria. As winter approaches, brokers predict a surge in spot freight rates, which may lead to an increase in the number of tankers being utilized for floating storage solutions.

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold to a Greek buyer for an impressive $23.2 million. This deal marks a significant investment in the shipping industry as buyers continue to seek opportunities for fleet expansion and modernization.