JP Morgan Linked to Fresh Suezmax Newbuilding Order at Samsung Heavy Industries

## JP Morgan Eyes Further Tanker Tonnage in Samsung Heavy Deal JP Morgan has been linked to another tanker newbuilding order at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), according to Splash247, adding further momentum to the South Korean yard's rapidly expanding orderbook. Samsung Heavy Industries confirmed this week that it had signed a contract with a Bermuda-based shipowner for two crude oil tankers, with the deal valued at KRW 284.9 billion (approximately $189 million). The vessels are understood to be 158,000 dwt suezmax-class tankers, a segment that has attracted sustained investment interest amid robust crude oil trading volumes and elevated tanker earnings in recent years. While Samsung Heavy did not officially name the beneficial owner behind the Bermuda-registered entity, industry sources cited by Splash247 have linked the order to JP Morgan, the US financial giant that has been increasingly active in shipowning and vessel investment structures. ### Suezmax Demand Remains Strong The suezmax segment has been a focal point for newbuilding activity, driven by sustained demand for crude transportation and a relatively tight supply of modern tonnage. Suezmax vessels, capable of transiting the Suez Canal fully laden, serve as a versatile workhorse between the very large crude carrier (VLCC) and aframax classes, making them attractive to a broad range of charterers and trading routes. Financial institutions and asset managers have increasingly taken direct positions in tanker newbuildings as an alternative investment class, particularly as shipping markets have demonstrated strong earnings potential in the post-pandemic environment. ### Samsung Heavy's Orderbook Grows The deal represents a further boost to Samsung Heavy Industries, one of South Korea's 'Big Three' shipbuilders, which has been securing a steady stream of high-value contracts across tanker, LNG carrier, and other vessel segments. A growing orderbook strengthens the yard's revenue visibility and production scheduling through the latter part of this decade. The transaction underscores continued confidence among institutional investors in the long-term fundamentals of the crude tanker market, even as the energy transition narrative shapes longer-term fleet planning discussions across the industry. *Source: Splash247*