Introduction

UNICORN SHIPPING’S SHIPOWNING ACTIVITIES ARE IN THE CHEMICAL AND PRODUCT TANKER MARKETS.

The Company’s tanker shipping interests are focused on period chartering to blue chip customers worldwide, and supplying tonnage into selected ship operating pools. 

Unicorn has been operating as a shipowner and operator since 1933.  It is a 100% subsidiary of the Johannesburg listed shipping company Grindrod Limited.

The oil major charterers of Unicorn tonnage include Shell, BP, ENI, Excon and Chevtex.  A number of vessels serve the period market world wide, while Unicorn vessels participate in a United States-based international MR tanker pool.

The company’s chemical tankers participate in the Stolt Parcel Tankers Pool.

A newbuilding programme is underway in the  16 500dwt product/chemical tanker sectors, delivering from 2007 through to 2011.

The company closely monitors building trends and market needs across the spectrum of tankers, bulkers and container feeder vessels, to identify niche opportunities for investment.

When newbuilding opportunities are identified, vessel designs are reviewed, enhanced and contracted to quality shipyards to ensure vessels of exceptional operational capability and technical standard are delivered to the market.

Unicorn has its own in-house Marine Department which performs technical and crewing management of the company’s fleet.  Third party managers are also used from time to time.