Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis has added to his very large crude carriers (VLCCs) orderbook in South Korea.
Shipbuilding sources in Greece report Marinakis-controlled Capital has lifted an option at Hanwha Ocean for a single newbuild after signing up for two firm vessels earlier this year, with deliveries expected in 2027.
The optional vessel is reported to cost around $127.5 million, bringing Capital’s total investment in VLCC newbuildings to approximately $1.2bn.
Beyond South Korea, Capital also has six LNG dual-fuel supertankers on order in China valued at around $140m each, with delivery timelines extending through 2028.
Marinakis is not alone in placing bets on the South Korean shipbuilder’s VLCCs. Fellow Greek player Chandris, along with global names like DHT Holdings, Oman’s Asyad Shipping, and Geneva-based Advantage Tankers, are all investing in VLCCs at Hanwha Ocean.
Meanwhile, another major Greek owner, Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN), has also recently lined up three VLCC newbuildings at the Okpo-based yard.