Greek owner Lavinia Tankers has moved to expand its crude tanker footprint, lining up a fourth suezmax newbuilding at South Korea’s DH Shipbuilding. The Panos Laskaridis-led outfit is understood to have exercised an outstanding option at the yard, taking its series to four vessels. The move follows a March decision to firm up a third unit, itself coming on the back of an initial two-ship order placed in January. While the latest contract was not officially attributed, DH Shipbuilding said last week it had secured an order for a single 157,000 dwt tanker worth just over $89m, with delivery slated for July 2029. Shipbroking sources have linked the deal to Lavinia. The order underlines a shift for Laskaridis, who has traditionally been more exposed to dry bulk but is now building a stronger position in crude tankers. Lavinia Tankers, the group’s tanker arm, has been steadily growing over the past two years, initially focusing on the MR segment. The company ordered three MR tankers at China’s Zhoushan Changhong yard, with two already delivered and a third due later this year. The Athens-based company currently manages a fleet of 14 vessels, including IMO II product tankers and MR units, with five additional newbuildings on order. The company forms part of the wider Laskaridis Shipping group, which runs a diversified fleet spanning bulkers, tankers and reefers. For DH Shipbuilding, the deal adds to a strong run of contracting activity. The yard has secured orders for 13 vessels so far this year, already surpassing its full-year target before the end of the first quarter. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsGreece South Korea