Turkish tanker operator Ditaş is set to triple its suezmax fleet through a four-vessel newbuilding programme at South Korean yards worth more than $370m, according to Splash247. The programme consists of two suezmaxes ordered at Samsung Heavy Industries and two at compatriot yard DH Shipbuilding, with all four vessels scheduled to join the fleet during 2029.
Ditaş's South Korean suezmax orderbook stands at four ships worth more than $370m, according to Splash247.
Two deals in one week
Splash247 reported that Samsung Heavy Industries disclosed on Monday it had signed a KRW268bn ($188m) contract with an unnamed European owner for two crude oil tankers. The ships are understood to be 158,000 dwt suezmaxes and are due for delivery by August 2029. Market sources named the Tüpraş shipping arm as the buyer.
The Samsung contract followed an order for two 157,000 dwt suezmaxes at DH Shipbuilding revealed a week earlier, according to Splash247. That pair, priced at KRW271.3bn ($196m), is scheduled to deliver by the end of 2029. Ditaş has not publicly identified itself as the owner behind either yard contract.
Parent confirms four-ship programme
Parent company Tüpraş confirmed the wider programme on July 31, Splash247 reported. The Turkish refiner said four 157,000 dwt suezmaxes were being built in South Korea at a total investment of more than $370m, with all four set to join the fleet during 2029. Tüpraş did not name the yards.
| Deal | Yard | Vessel size | Reported price | Delivery window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two crude oil tankers | Samsung Heavy Industries | 158,000 dwt suezmax | KRW268bn ($188m) | By August 2029 |
| Two crude oil tankers | DH Shipbuilding | 157,000 dwt suezmax | KRW271.3bn ($196m) | By end of 2029 |
Fleet capacity to nearly triple
The additions will triple Ditaş's suezmax fleet from two ships to six and lift its capacity in the segment from about 315,000 dwt to nearly 943,000 dwt, according to Splash247. The Istanbul-based company currently owns the scrubber-fitted, 2017-built sisters T Sadberk and T Semahat, each of 157,453 dwt.
Broader tanker expansion
Ditaş has also been expanding in other segments, Splash247 reported. The company recently added the 114,800 dwt aframax T Riva and the 2020-built tanker T Kilyos. Two 12,000 dwt chemical tankers are under construction at Koç-owned RMK Marine.
What it means for charterers
For tanker charterers and logistics operators tracking crude oil fleet supply, the confirmed programme means Ditaş will control nearly 943,000 dwt of suezmax capacity by 2029, up from about 315,000 dwt today, according to Splash247. The four newbuildings are scheduled to enter the fleet during 2029, with the Samsung Heavy Industries pair due by August and the DH Shipbuilding pair by the end of the year.
Watch list
- Samsung Heavy Industries pair: delivery scheduled by August 2029.
- DH Shipbuilding pair: delivery scheduled by end of 2029.
- RMK Marine chemical tankers: two 12,000 dwt units under construction.
- Yard disclosure: Ditaş has not publicly identified itself as owner of either suezmax contract; Tüpraş did not name the yards.
Sources:
