Geneva-based Advantage Tankers has finalized an agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries for the construction of two new suezmax crude oil tankers. The vessels, identified as Advantage Spirit and Advantage Synergy, will each have a capacity of 157,000 deadweight tons (DWT). A key feature of these newbuilds is their dual-fuel-ready design, indicating a preparedness for future alternative fuel adoption.
The cost for each tanker is reported at $88.25 million, reflecting a significant investment in fleet expansion and modernization. Deliveries are anticipated to occur in the first and second quarters of 2029, adding substantial capacity to Advantage Tankers' fleet within the next five years.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this order signals a future increase in crude oil tanker capacity, which could influence freight rates for liquid bulk commodities in the long term. The dual-fuel-ready specification also highlights a growing trend towards more sustainable shipping, potentially impacting fuel choices and operational strategies as the industry moves towards decarbonization. While the immediate impact on spot rates or capacity is minimal due to the distant delivery dates, it contributes to the overall supply-side outlook for the tanker market.