Zodiac Maritime Makes History with Samsung’s Vietnam Shipyard
In a significant milestone for the maritime industry, UK-based Zodiac Maritime has become the first client of Samsung Heavy Industries’ newly acquired shipyard in Vietnam. The company has secured contracts for three conventionally fueled suezmax tankers, each priced at $80 million and scheduled for delivery in 2028. This partnership marks a new chapter in Zodiac Maritime’s history of pioneering shipbuilding projects.
Details of the New Construction Project
Zodiac Maritime’s latest venture involves the construction of three suezmax tankers, each capable of carrying approximately 157,000 deadweight tons (dwt). These vessels will be built at Samsung Heavy’s PVSM shipyard, located in southern Vietnam. This shipyard is being developed in collaboration with PetroVietnam, reflecting a strategic investment in the region’s shipbuilding capabilities.
This announcement follows a series of achievements by Zodiac Maritime, which has previously made headlines for securing the first LR2 tankers from Yangzijiang and initiating unique deals for car carriers with shipyards including Raffles and Xiamen. The company has established a reputation for pushing the boundaries of shipbuilding innovation.
Additionally, the presence of South Korean shipbuilders, such as HD Hyundai, in Vietnam has been notable for years. The larger South Korean shipbuilding industry has been undergoing an international expansion phase, driven by a surge in order books that are extending into the latter part of the decade. This trend highlights the growing significance of Vietnam as a key player in global shipbuilding.
