Chemnav Doubles Down on Suezmax Sector with Second Jinglu Newbuilding Pair

## Chemnav Expands Suezmax Orderbook to Four Vessels Greek tanker owner Chemnav Shipmanagement has significantly strengthened its position in the suezmax crude tanker segment, contracting two additional newbuildings at a Chinese yard and bringing its total orderbook in the class to four vessels, according to Splash247. The Paul Coronis-backed company has been linked by shipbroking sources to a contract for two 158,000 dwt crude carriers at Penglai Jinglu Shipyard, mirroring an earlier pair of orders at the same facility. The move signals a deliberate and accelerating strategic commitment to the suezmax sector by one of Greece's active tanker operators. ### A Calculated Bet on Suezmax Fundamentals The decision to double down on suezmax tonnage reflects broader confidence among Greek shipowners in the medium-to-long-term outlook for crude tanker demand. Suezmax vessels — capable of transiting the Suez Canal fully laden — occupy a versatile niche in the global crude trade, serving major export routes from West Africa, the Black Sea, and the Middle East to refineries in Europe and Asia. With global tanker fleet renewal becoming an increasingly pressing issue amid tightening environmental regulations, newbuilding orders at competitive Chinese yards have gained renewed appeal. Penglai Jinglu Shipyard has emerged as a credible builder for mid-size tanker tonnage, attracting interest from European owners seeking cost-effective construction without sacrificing quality. ### Greek Owners Lead Tanker Ordering Activity Chemnav's expanded orderbook is consistent with a wider trend of Greek shipowners aggressively positioning themselves in the tanker market. Greece remains the world's largest shipowning nation by fleet capacity, and its owners have historically demonstrated a willingness to commit capital during periods of market uncertainty in anticipation of future rate strength. The timing of Chemnav's orders also coincides with a period of elevated interest in crude tanker assets, as geopolitical shifts — including ongoing disruptions to traditional trade routes — continue to reshape ton-mile demand dynamics across the global tanker fleet. Full financial terms of the contracts, including delivery schedules and per-vessel pricing, have not been disclosed. Splash247 reports the details were sourced from shipbroking circles, and Chemnav has not made an official public statement at the time of publication. *Source: Splash247*