Harry Vafias powers expansion drive past $1bn with six new tankers

▶Major Greek shipping family doubles its orderbook at HD Hyundai Greece’s Vafias family is turning its fleet renewal focus to crude carriers after investing almost $800m over the past three years to expand in the dry cargo, product tankers and gas markets. Stealth Maritime, the tanker arm of a shipping group with about 100 vessels spread across the five listed and private companies it controls, has ordered six tankers at two separate HD Hyundai yards. The total estimated outlay of close to $475m comes as major shipowners are turning their attention to tanker newbuildings. Several shipping market sources in Europe and Asia relate that HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is tasked with building a pair of 165,000-dwt suezmaxes, due for delivery in late 2028, for about $87m each. Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding will build four 115,000-dwt aframaxes, due for delivery at the end of 2028, for about $75m each. https://vo.la/P0CsCwC