Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. (TEN) (NYSE: TNP or the “Company”) today announced two 15-year time charters with a national oil major for two DP2 Suezmax shuttle tankers with delivery within 2012. These charters are expected to generate revenues of at least $520m over their corresponding periods. The return on equity anticipated from this project is attractive when compared to other mainstream shipping projects and our overall investment criteria and will make a significant contribution to our bottom line. The construction of these two high specification Suezmax tankers will be financed with cash from our recent $85m equity offering and bank debt.
“TEN’s expansion into the shuttle tanker business is expected to generate significant long term advantages for our Company and its shareholders and puts to good use the proceeds of our recent equity
offering," said George Saroglou, TEN's COO. This project is within the context of our strategy to operate modern, diversified and versatile vessels across all sectors of tanker operations aiming to meet the overall transportation needs of our clients. In addition, it solidifies our long standing relationship with the specific high quality charterer as well as our standing with oil majors worldwide."