Liquimar lines up suezmax trio at New Hantong

Greek tanker owner Liquimar Tankers has been linked to an order for three suezmax newbuildings in China, adding fresh crude carrier capacity after cashing in on the strong secondhand tanker market.

The Dimitris Papadimitriou-controlled company has contracted three 157,000 dwt vessels at Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry, according to shipbuilding sources.

The conventionally fuelled tankers are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2030, with pricing estimated at just under $86m apiece, putting the potential investment at close to $258m.

The move follows Liquimar’s disposal of two ageing suezmaxes, the 2007-built Orpheas and Evridiki, to Dubai-based energy trader Onex DMCC. The pair changed hands for a reported $68m each, generating approximately $136m in gross sale proceeds. Both transactions were recorded in September market data.

Liquimar has already emerged behind another Chinese tanker project this year. In August, shipbuilding intelligence identified the company as the owner of the 113,500 dwt aframax/LR2 Priamos under construction at Hengli Heavy Industries. That vessel marked the Athens-based owner’s return to newbuilding activity after a lengthy absence.

Liquimar was set up in 1990, as a way for its parent company, Dioryx Maritime Corp, to expand from dry cargo and containerships into the oil tanker sector, before becoming a standalone entity in 1995.

The latest reported deal would add another name to New Hantong’s suezmax orderbook. Earlier this year, Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Maritime contracted four suezmaxes at the Chinese yard for 2029 delivery, taking its programme in the segment to nine vessels.

Follow Us