Greek shipowner Harry Vafias has returned to the VLCC segment after some two decades away, lining up a fresh order in South Korea. Vafias-backed outfit, Stealth Maritime, has contracted two 320,000 dwt newbuildings at Hanwha Ocean, with delivery slated for 2030, according to brokers. The yard last week confirmed a contract for two VLCCs for an undisclosed owner, widely linked to the Vafias group. Sources said the vessels are priced at about $132.5m each, taking the group’s total newbuilding programme to around 15 ships worth roughly $1.3bn. The move marks Vafias’ first step back into VLCCs, ending a long absence from the largest crude carrier segment. In recent years, the Vafias group has focused on mid-sized gas carriers, alongside secondhand deals in bulkers and product tankers. The latest VLCC play follows a series of suezmax orders at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and LR2/aframax newbuildings at HD Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsGreece