According to shipbuilding sources, each ship is priced at $75 million, putting the total value of the firm order at $150 million, and potentially $225 million if the option is exercised. Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2028, highlighting the company’s growing confidence in the tanker market and long-term transport demand.
JHI Steamship, launched earlier this year as the successor to the historic Samos Steamship, is led by John Inglessis. The company currently manages six ships but aims to expand its fleet to 13 vessels in the near future. Several of these include newbuildings under construction in Japan, expected for delivery in 2026. The latest order from South Korea reflects JHI’s effort to diversify its fleet sourcing and strengthen its operational capacity across global shipping markets.
The restructuring of the Inglessis family’s long-standing shipping business has resulted in two independent entities — JHI Steamship and Carlova Maritime — managed respectively by cousins John and Anthony Inglessis. The transformation follows Samos Steamship’s 150-year heritage, marking a generational shift while maintaining the family’s presence in the maritime sector.
Earlier this year, Carlova Maritime also entered the newbuilding market by ordering a very large crude carrier (VLCC) at Hanwha Ocean in South Korea. The VLCC is scheduled for delivery in late 2027, representing the family’s gradual expansion beyond its traditional preference for Japanese shipyards.
The recent developments underscore the Inglessis family’s renewed focus on modern, fuel-efficient fleets in line with evolving industry standards and environmental requirements. The choice of South Korean shipyards, known for advanced tanker construction and competitive pricing, signals a strategic adaptation to the global shipbuilding landscape.
Industry analysts note that the aframax segment continues to attract orders due to its versatility in regional crude and product trades, as well as its suitability for ports with draft restrictions. With global demand for energy transportation expected to remain steady, fleet renewals like JHI’s are positioned to enhance efficiency and operational resilience.
By securing these contracts, JHI Steamship joins a growing list of Greek owners investing in South Korean shipyards for their next generation of tankers. The move not only broadens the company’s shipbuilding partnerships but also reinforces its long-term commitment to maintaining a modern, environmentally compliant fleet capable of meeting future maritime challenges.
The newbuild order at K Shipbuilding thus marks an important chapter in the Inglessis family’s shipping legacy — blending tradition with forward-looking expansion in one of the world’s most competitive maritime markets.
