- Capital Maritime, led by Evangelos Marinakis, has exercised a newbuild option for a VLCC at Hanwha Ocean, bringing the company’s total VLCC investment close to $1.2 billion.
- The move is part of a wider uptick in VLCC orders from global players including Chandris, DHT Holdings, Asyad Shipping, and Advantage Tankers.
- Capital has also placed orders for six LNG dual-fuel supertankers in China, further expanding and diversifying its fleet.
Greek shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis has further expanded his fleet through Capital Maritime by confirming a fresh VLCC order at South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean shipyard. This follows earlier commitments for two similar vessels earlier in 2025. The newly added tanker, valued at approximately $127.5 million, boosts Capital’s total VLCC-related investments to an estimated $1.2 billion. All deliveries are expected to take place by 2027, according to Nautical Voice.
Surging Interest in Crude Carrier Capacity
This latest order reflects a broader trend of shipping firms securing slots for new VLCCs at Hanwha Ocean. Among those joining Capital in this investment wave are fellow Greek owner Chandris, U.S.-listed DHT Holdings, Oman’s Asyad Shipping, and Switzerland’s Advantage Tankers. The collective action signals strong confidence in the long-term need for high-capacity crude oil transport vessels.
Capital Diversifies with LNG Supertanker Orders in China
Beyond crude tankers, Capital is also committing to greener technologies through a separate order for six LNG dual-fuel supertankers in China. Each vessel is valued around $140 million and is scheduled for delivery by 2028. This diversification underscores the company’s strategy to build a future-ready, fuel-flexible fleet.
Greek Shipowners Strengthen Market Footing
Marinakis is not alone in this expansion drive. Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) has also disclosed plans for three new VLCCs from the Okpo-based shipyard, indicating a consolidated effort by Greek shipping firms to secure a stronger foothold in the evolving maritime landscape.
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Source: Nautical Voice
