Mumbai-based Tolani Shipping is continuing its pivot into the wet trades, closing in on its third clean tanker in a row, the 26,000 dwt stainless steel tanker Clarice, built in 2014 at Asakawa Shipbuilding and currently owned by Shenlong Maritime. The price is understood to be around $29.5m, making it Tolani’s largest tanker purchase to date.
Traditionally a dry bulk owner since its founding in the 1940s, Tolani had steered clear of tankers for decades until it entered the stainless steel chemical tanker segment in early 2023, acquiring two J19 units for just under $40m.
The company’s fleet profile now totals nine ships, with an average age of 16 years — relatively young compared to other Indian private owners. Eight of its ships are Japanese-built.