3rd and 4th generation LPG/NH3 Midsize Carriers
- 1990 Sombeke design
33,600m3 Boelwerf, Belgium - 1995 Eeklo design
37,900m3 Kawasaki, Japan
The 1990s and new Millenium- EXMAR grows its fleet and diversifies into LNG and Offshore activities
At the beginning of the 1990s, EXMAR became a subsidiary of the publicly-quoted Compagnie Maritime Belge, entered LNG and Offshore markets for the first time and grew its LPG midsize fleet to twenty three vessels, as well as expanding its participation in both semi-pressurised and VLGC markets with chartered tonnage and newbuilds.
In 1991 EXMAR took over the operation and management of the Distrigas-owned METHANIA as well as acquiring Zapata Offshore in the US with its 15 offshore drilling rigs, thus entering the worlds of LNG and Offshore.
in 1992, the division also became a fully-owned subsidiary of Compagnie Maritime Belge, a public company acquired by ALMABO and quoted on the Brussels Stock Exchange.
EXMAR ordered the last of its fleet to be built at Boelwerf, the 12,000m3 ammonia carrier subsequently named KEMIRA GAS, which was delivered at the end of 1995.
Further expansion into the LPG Midsize market included the order from Kawasaki Heavy Industries of two 35-37,000m3 vessels for delivery in 1995-96, the takeover of two ships and a newbuilding from joint venture partner Christian Haaland and further acquisitions of newbuilds and chartered tonnage, bringing the total number vessels in the midsize segment to twenty three.
In 1998, EXMAR Ship Management obtained ISO 9001 certification for its operations, having established its programme of improvement and full compliance with international standards.
