Mumbai: GE Shipping signed a contract to buy a 1992-built, very large crude carrier (VLCC). The 264,301 dwt vessel was built in the Mitsubishi yard and is expected to join the GE fleet by June, this year.

The vessel will be the second VLCC in the company''s fleet. Currently, the company has 68 vessels — 37 ships (29 tankers and 8 dry bulk carriers) and 31 offshore vessels. Apart from this, the company has contracted two Handymax dry bulk carriers while the new building order book stands at 11 vessels comprising 6 ships and 5 Offshore Support Vessels.