Centrofin Confirms Major Tanker Order at Samsung Heavy Industries

Greek shipping company Centrofin Management Inc has placed a significant order with Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., confirming the construction of four 158,000 DWT tankers at the shipbuilder's Geoje facility in South Korea. The vessels, are scheduled for delivery starting in 2028, marking another high-profile deal for Samsung as the global tanker market continues to show strength amid fleet renewal and emission compliance efforts.

Each of the newbuilds will measure 274 meters in length, with a beam of 48 meters, depth of 23.3 meters, and a design draft of 17.22 meters. The deadweight capacity for each ship is approximately 158,000 metric tons, placing them firmly in the Suezmax range, ideal for crude oil transportation in major global routes.

While detailed contract values remain undisclosed, the vessels are were recorded with a booking date of April 1, 2025. The order reflects Centrofin’s commitment to fleet modernization, environmental compliance, and operational scalability as the industry pivots to meet decarbonization mandates.

Samsung Heavy Industries, one of Korea's "Big Three" shipbuilders, continues to attract top-tier clients with its record of technological reliability, safety standards, and project execution in both the crude and LNG sectors. The choice of Samsung underscores the ongoing confidence Greek shipowners place in Korean shipyards despite rising costs and global competition from Chinese and Japanese yards.

Though the propulsion and fuel system configurations are still unconfirmed, speculation within industry circles suggests potential dual-fuel readiness or LNG-capable designs, in line with IMO GHG reduction targets and upcoming EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime requirements.

This deal also reinforces Centrofin’s strategy of building long-term asset value while navigating volatile tanker charter rates. As of now, these vessels are not yet linked to specific charter agreements, but their size and specifications suggest suitability for global crude routes between the Middle East, Asia, and the Atlantic basin.