Lavinia Tankers Expands Fleet with New Suezmax Order
Greek shipping company Lavinia Tankers is making significant strides in the crude tanker market by securing a fourth suezmax newbuilding from South Korea’s DH Shipbuilding. This strategic move comes as the company aims to enhance its presence in the crude oil transportation sector. The order follows a series of expansions, including a third unit confirmed in March and an initial two-ship order placed in January.
While the latest contract has not been officially confirmed as belonging to Lavinia, DH Shipbuilding announced it has received an order for a single 157,000 deadweight ton (dwt) tanker valued at over $89 million. The delivery of this vessel is scheduled for July 2029. Shipbroking sources have indicated that this deal is indeed linked to Lavinia Tankers, further solidifying the company’s commitment to expanding its fleet.
Shift in Focus for Laskaridis
Panos Laskaridis, the leader of Lavinia Tankers, is shifting the company’s focus from its traditional dry bulk operations to a more robust position in the crude tanker market. This transition is evident in Lavinia’s recent activities, which have seen the company steadily grow its tanker fleet over the past two years. Initially, Lavinia concentrated on the Medium Range (MR) segment, ordering three MR tankers from China’s Zhoushan Changhong yard. Of these, two have already been delivered, with the third expected later this year.
Currently, Lavinia Tankers manages a diverse fleet of 14 vessels, which includes IMO II product tankers and MR units. In addition to the new suezmax order, the company has five more newbuildings on order, indicating a strong commitment to expanding its operations in the tanker sector. Lavinia Tankers is part of the larger Laskaridis Shipping group, which operates a varied fleet that includes bulk carriers, tankers, and refrigerated vessels.
Laskaridis Shipping Partners with bound4blue and Bureau Veritas for Innovative Sail Technology
DH Shipbuilding’s Successful Year
For DH Shipbuilding, this new contract adds to a successful streak of contracting activity. The yard has secured orders for 13 vessels so far this year, surpassing its full-year target well before the end of the first quarter. This achievement highlights the yard’s growing reputation and capability in the shipbuilding industry, particularly in the construction of large tankers.
The collaboration between Lavinia Tankers and DH Shipbuilding reflects a broader trend in the maritime industry, where companies are increasingly investing in new vessels to meet the rising demand for crude oil transportation. As Lavinia Tankers continues to expand its fleet, it positions itself strategically within the competitive landscape of the shipping industry, aiming to capitalize on future opportunities in the crude market.
