Ditaş Expands Suezmax Fleet with Second Samsung Heavy Deal in a Week

## Ditaş Doubles Down on Suezmax Tankers with Samsung Heavy Industries Turkish tanker owner Ditaş is rapidly expanding its crude oil tanker fleet, having been linked to a second suezmax newbuilding contract at Samsung Heavy Industries within the space of a single week, according to Splash247. Samsung Heavy Industries disclosed that it had signed a KRW268 billion (approximately $188 million) contract with an unnamed European owner for two crude oil tankers. Industry sources have connected the order to Ditaş, which would bring the company's total orderbook at the South Korean shipyard to four suezmax vessels with a combined value exceeding $370 million. ### Strategic Fleet Renewal The back-to-back orders signal a clear strategic commitment by Ditaş to the suezmax segment, which typically carries between 120,000 and 200,000 deadweight tonnes of crude oil. Suezmaxes remain a popular choice for tanker owners due to their flexibility across major crude trade routes, including transits through the Suez Canal and loadings at key export terminals in the Middle East, West Africa, and the Americas. The decision to concentrate newbuilding activity at Samsung Heavy Industries — one of South Korea's 'Big Three' shipbuilders — reflects broader industry trends, as owners continue to favour established yards with strong track records in large tanker construction, particularly as environmental compliance requirements under IMO regulations drive fleet renewal programmes. ### Market Context The tanker newbuilding market has remained active in 2026, underpinned by sustained crude trade volumes and the ongoing need to replace ageing tonnage. Suezmax freight rates have experienced periods of volatility, but long-term demand fundamentals continue to support investment in modern, fuel-efficient vessels capable of meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards. For Ditaş, one of Turkey's most prominent tanker operators, the four-ship programme represents a significant capital commitment and a clear vote of confidence in the medium-to-long-term outlook for crude tanker markets. Full details of delivery schedules and vessel specifications have not yet been publicly disclosed by either party. *Source: Splash247*