Greek tanker owner Pleiades Shipping is rejuvenating its LR1 fleet with orders for up to four newbuilds in China. Brokers in Greece report the Kifissia-based company has contracted New Times Shipbuilding for two firm 73,000 dwt units costing about $55m each and secured options for two more ships. The firmed-up LR1 pair is scheduled for delivery in 2027, while the optional newbuilds would join the fleet in 2028. Pleiades owns 11 tankers including five Sumitomo-built 61,300 dwt panamax product carriers, the majority of which were delivered in 2006. If confirmed, the order would be the company’s first at a Chinese yard. Earlier this year fellow owner Tsakos Energy Navigation also booked four scrubber-fitted LR1s at New Times for a similar price tag. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsGreece