Euronav NV announced that it has signed two long-term time charter contracts of seven years each with Valero Energy Inc. for Suezmax vessels with specialised Ice Class 1C capability starting in 2018. In order to fulfil this contract, Euronav has ordered two high specification Ice Class Suezmax vessels from Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in South Korea. Additional specifications for these vessels include substantially increased steel structure, specific emissions controls and other bespoke operational capabilities. Delivery of these vessels is expected in early 2018 when each of the time charter contracts will begin.