Greek shipowner JHI Steamship plans to expand its tanker fleet through a newbuilding project and has ordered two new vessels from a South Korean shipyard.
According to market sources, JHI Steamship has placed an order with HD Hyundai Samho for two 157,000 DWT Suezmax tankers, scheduled for delivery between the fourth quarter of 2028 and the second quarter of 2029. The construction cost for this newbuilding order has not been disclosed. Based on broker quotes for vessels of comparable tonnage, the price per ship is estimated to exceed approximately $86 million.
This shipbuilding project marks another move by JHI Steamship following its order placed with a South Korean shipyard at the end of 2025. Previously, the shipowner had ordered three 115,000 DWT Aframax tankers from South Korea’s mid-sized shipbuilder K Shipbuilding, each costing approximately $75 million. Delivery is scheduled between 2027 and 2028.
It is worth noting that K Shipbuilding’s Aframax tanker order is an unconventional move by JHI Steamship. Previously, the shipowner’s new shipbuilding projects were only undertaken by Japanese shipyards. However, since Sumitomo Heavy Industries, which had long been building its tanker orders, stopped building commercial ships after delivering existing orders in the first quarter of 2026, the shipowner turned to Korean shipyards for orders.
It is understood that JHI Steamship is the successor entity to the long-established shipping company Samos Steamship, led by John Inglessis. The company currently operates a fleet of approximately 15 tankers and bulk carriers. As this shipowner expands its presence in the crude oil tanker market, the fleet size is expected to grow by at least six new vessels over the coming years.
Recently, the Inglessis family has split Samos Steamship into two entities: John and Anthony Inglessis will respectively head JHI Steamship and Carova Maritime. Both companies’ latest orders have shifted to South Korean shipyards, marking a significant change from the family’s traditional preference for Japanese shipyards.
Recently, Greek shipowners have been reigniting their interest in Suezmax tankers. Just days ago, Stealth Maritime took delivery of two 157,000 DWT Suezmax tankers from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Meanwhile, a shipping company associated with Panos Laskaridis has placed an order for two 157,000 DWT Suezmax tankers with DH Shipbuilding, thereby expanding its fleet size.
In addition to placing orders for newbuildings, Okeanis Eco Tankers recently announced the acquisition of two Suezmax tankers under construction at DH Shipbuilding. These vessels are sister ships to those delivered earlier this month and are expected to join the fleet in the second quarter of 2026.