The US-listed suezmax specialist is establishing Nordic American Offshore (NAO) to acquire the Ulstein Group-built and owned vessels delivered in 2012 and 2013.
“The strategy of NAO is expected to be essentially the same as for NAT with dividend as an important element,” NAT said.
The new company will sell shares privately to raise at least 80% of the unspecified purchase price.
Debt will make up the rest of the cost.
NAT will buy between 15% and 20% of the issue – about $50m, with Ulstein Shipping taking 5%.
This gives a price of around $312m for the six ships, based on the 20% figure.
Offshorebrokers note the vessels have been long-time sales candidates given Ulsteinbuilt them speculatively.
