Advantage Tankers, the Geneva-based owner led by Tugrul Tokgoz, has placed an order for two suezmax crude tanker newbuildings at Samsung Heavy Industries, according to Splash247. The order adds 157,000 dwt of capacity each to the company's expanding large crude tanker fleet, with vessels scheduled for delivery in early 2029.
Newbuilding Details
The two vessels, named Advantage Spirit and Advantage Synergy, are listed as dual-fuel-ready units on Advantage's newbuilding page, according to Splash247. Each ship costs $88.25 million, with delivery planned for the first and second quarters of 2029. Brokers indicated that construction of the two ships is expected to be subcontracted to Samsung's partner yard PaxOcean Zhoushan in China.
Expanding Orderbook
The latest suezmax order adds to Advantage's fast-growing large crude tanker program across South Korean and Chinese yards. According to Splash247, the company's publicly listed newbuilding program now totals 13 ships across VLCC and suezmax tonnage. Key vessels include:
- Advantage Visual – 319,000 dwt VLCC at Jiangsu Hantong Ship Heavy Industry, delivery Q4 2026.
- Advantage View and Advantage Vibe – 320,000 dwt VLCCs at Hanwha Ocean, delivery 2027.
- Advantage Venture and Advantage Voyager – 307,000 dwt VLCCs at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co, delivery 2028 and 2029.
- Four 157,000 dwt suezmaxes at DH Shipbuilding, deliveries 2027–2029.
| Vessel Name | DWT | Yard | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage Spirit | 157,000 | Samsung Heavy Industries (subcontracted to PaxOcean Zhoushan) | Q1 2029 |
| Advantage Synergy | 157,000 | Samsung Heavy Industries (subcontracted to PaxOcean Zhoushan) | Q2 2029 |
| Advantage Visual | 319,000 | Jiangsu Hantong Ship Heavy Industry | Q4 2026 |
| Advantage View | 320,000 | Hanwha Ocean | 2027 |
| Advantage Vibe | 320,000 | Hanwha Ocean | 2027 |
| Advantage Venture | 307,000 | Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co | 2028 |
| Advantage Voyager | 307,000 | Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co | 2029 |
| Four unnamed suezmaxes | 157,000 each | DH Shipbuilding | 2027–2029 |
Fleet Background
Founded in 2014, Advantage Tankers is privately held and controlled by Nazli Williams, Splash247 reported. The company has built up a fleet of close to 30 tankers, including four 2022- and 2023-built VLCCs, a run of suezmaxes, aframax/LR2 tonnage, and product tankers. The latest Samsung order takes the company's total newbuilding program to 13 vessels.
Implications for the Tanker Market
The expansion of Advantage's orderbook signals continued investment in large crude carriers, particularly suezmaxes that are critical for mid-range crude trades. With deliveries extending to 2029, the vessels will gradually add capacity to the global tanker fleet. For logistics operators and charterers, the dual-fuel-ready design indicates a shift toward future-proofed tonnage, which may affect long-term contracting strategies.
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