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Thenamaris Expands Tanker Newbuild Programme with Orders in South Korea and China

By MGN EditorialJune 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Greek shipowner Thenamaris has confirmed additional tanker orders across South Korean and Chinese yards, reinforcing its position as one of the most active fleet renewal campaigns in the sector.

## Thenamaris Broadens Tanker Newbuilding Push Greek tanker owner Thenamaris is pressing ahead with one of the industry's most ambitious fleet renewal programmes, confirming fresh newbuilding orders placed at shipyards in both South Korea and China, according to Splash247. The Nikolas Martinos-led company has confirmed an earlier-reported order for two 50,000 dwt MR2 product tankers, adding further vessels to a growing orderbook that underscores the owner's long-term confidence in the product tanker segment. The dual-geography ordering strategy — spanning South Korean and Chinese yards — reflects a broader industry trend among major Greek owners seeking to balance shipyard capacity, pricing, and delivery schedules. South Korean yards remain highly regarded for build quality and technological sophistication, while Chinese shipyards have become increasingly competitive on price and delivery timelines, making a split-order approach an attractive proposition for owners managing large-scale programmes. ### MR2 Segment in Focus The MR2 product tanker class, typically ranging from 45,000 to 55,000 dwt, remains a cornerstone of refined petroleum product distribution globally. Demand for modern, fuel-efficient tonnage in this segment has been supported by evolving trade patterns in clean petroleum products, tightening environmental regulations, and the ongoing phase-out of older, less compliant vessels. Thenamaris's continued investment in this asset class signals confidence in medium-term freight fundamentals, even as the broader tanker market navigates a complex macroeconomic environment. ### A Leading Fleet Renewal Campaign Thenamaris has established itself as one of the more proactive Greek owners in terms of fleet modernisation. The company's expanded newbuild programme positions it to benefit from anticipated demand growth while ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent emissions standards under the International Maritime Organization's decarbonisation framework. The confirmation of these latest orders adds to what Splash247 describes as 'one of the most active fleet renewal campaigns' currently underway among Greek shipping majors — a cohort that has historically played an outsized role in global tanker capacity. Delivery schedules and full financial terms of the orders have not been disclosed.
#tanker newbuilding#MR2 product tanker#Thenamaris#Greek shipping#fleet renewal#South Korean shipyards#Chinese shipyards#product tankers

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