Two well-known names in LNG shipping have been linked to fresh orders at Samsung Heavy Industries, as newbuilding activity in the gas carrier segment shows signs of life.
The South Korean yard confirmed this week it had secured contracts for six 174,000 cu m vessels worth around $1.5bn. While owners were not publicly disclosed, industry and shipbroking sources have connected the orders to Greece’s TMS Cardiff Gas and Denmark’s Celsius Shipping.
TMS Cardiff, led by George Economou, is understood to have signed for four vessels at a price of roughly $250m each. The ships are scheduled for delivery in late 2028.
In a separate announcement, Samsung Heavy revealed an additional two LNG carriers contracted by another unidentified buyer. Newbuilding sources have linked this order to Jeppe Jensen’s Celsius Shipping, with delivery set for the first quarter of 2028.
TMS Cardiff Gas remains an active player in the gas carrier market, with a growing presence in both the LNG and LPG segments. Celsius, for its part, operates a fleet of 21 LNG carriers, nine of which are still under construction, according to the company’s website. Both companies have previously booked newbuilds at Samsung Heavy.
Samsung Heavy’s latest deals help bolster a sparse LNG order tally so far this year, with broader newbuilding activity also subdued across other segments, including dry bulk and tankers. According to Xclusiv Shipbrokers, only 23 LNG vessels have been ordered globally through the end of July 2025 – a notable drop from previous years.
