Laskaridis Accelerates Suezmax Expansion with South Korean Newbuilding

Greek shipowner Panos Laskaridis is deepening his strategic move into the crude tanker segment, contracting another suezmax newbuilding in South Korea as he expands the Laskaridis Shipping fleet. According to Splash247, shipbuilding sources confirm that Laskaridis Shipping has secured a contract with DH Shipbuilding for a 157,000 dwt vessel, with delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2029. The newbuilding represents the latest addition to Laskaridis's growing suezmax presence in an increasingly competitive crude oil transportation market. The South Korean builder selection reflects continued confidence in the country's shipbuilding sector for large tanker construction. DH Shipbuilding, a major player in South Korea's commercial shipbuilding industry, has become a preferred venue for owners seeking modern, efficient vessel designs in the suezmax category. This latest order signals Laskaridis's commitment to positioning the company within the crude tanker market at a time when vessel demand and rate sentiment remain subjects of close industry attention. Suezmax tankers, capable of transiting the Suez Canal with full cargo, represent a critical vessel class for global crude oil trade between the Middle East, Africa, and European markets. The 2029 delivery timeline aligns with broader industry trends in newbuilding ordering, where owners are balancing current market conditions against expected fleet demand in the medium term. For Laskaridis Shipping, the investment underscores a diversification strategy beyond the company's traditional shipping operations. The newbuilding order follows previous expansion activity by the Laskaridis organization into the crude tanker sector, reflecting the owner's conviction in the fundamentals of large tanker demand and operational economics over the coming years. **Source:** Splash247