Teekay Tankers Ltd. has agreed to acquire four coated Aframax tankers and one uncoated Aframax tanker for an aggregate purchase price of approximately US$230 million.

The five vessels, which are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2015, were constructed in 2008, 2010 and 2011 at shipyards in Japan and China. Upon delivery, the vessels will trade in the Teekay-managed Taurus LR2 Pool and Aframax RSA.

“Combined with our existing fleet and in-chartered portfolio, these new vessels will increase our fleet size to 43 vessels. In addition, the transaction provides optionality to trade the four coated Aframaxes in the crude or product tanker markets and, with an average age of only 3.8 years for the five vessels, enhances the age profile of our fleet,” said Kevin Mackay, Chief Executive Officer of Teekay Tankers.  “Spot tanker rates for crude and large product tankers for the fourth quarter of 2014 are averaging higher than the previous quarter.”

Mackay identified increased seasonal oil demand, winter weather delays and lower global oil prices, which are encouraging stockpiling of crude oil and resulting in lower bunker fuel costs, as some of the key factors that are driving spot tanker rates higher.