This expansion programme included the acquisition of a 51% interest in six ultra large crude carriers from the Loews Corporation in 1990. The six ULCC’s owned by the jointly-held entity, Hellespont Shipping Corp, developed a strong following among charters because of their high quality and of the standards to which they were maintained and operated. They traded successfully through one of the most challenging periods in modern tanker history. These vessels remained active in the service of major oil companies and traders until well beyond their 25th anniversaries. Hellespont took advantage of the high demolition market from 2002 onwards to dispose of these ships and make way for the new double hull units it had ordered.