Greek shipowner JHI Steamship has stepped up its tanker expansion with an order for two suezmax newbuildings at HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea.
The 157,000 dwt crude carriers are scheduled for delivery between the fourth quarter of 2028 and the second quarter of 2029, according to market sources. Price tags have not been divulged, but brokers are quoting around $86m and higher for similar tonnage.
The deal builds on JHI’s first move into South Korean yards late last year, when the Athens-based owner signed up for three 115,000 dwt aframax tankers at K Shipbuilding. Each ship is priced at about $75m, with deliveries set for 2027 and 2028.
Recently launched as the successor to the long-running Samos Steamship operation, JHI Steamship is led by John Inglessis and currently counts around 15 vessels across wet and dry segments. The fleet is set to grow by at least six newbuildings over the coming years as the company ramps up its presence in the crude tanker market.
The Inglessis family recently split the historic Samos Steamship business into two entities, with cousins John and Anthony Inglessis controlling JHI Steamship and Carlova Maritime, respectively. Both companies have turned to South Korean shipyards for their latest orders, marking a clear shift away from the family’s traditional focus on Japanese builders.
JHI’s suezmax move comes as Greek owners show fresh appetite for the segment. Stealth Maritime has exercised options for two 157,000 dwt suezmaxes at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, while shipping interests linked to Panos Laskaridis are linked to a pair of similar vessels at DH Shipbuilding, stepping up from smaller tanker classes. Okeanis Eco Tankers has also been active, announcing plans to acquire two suezmax newbuilding resales under construction at DH Shipbuilding. The vessels are sisters to units delivered earlier this month and are expected to join the fleet in the second quarter of 2026.
