Samsung Heavy Industries has secured a $237 million contract to build three oil tankers for a Liberian shipowner, reinforcing its position as a global leader in marine engineering. The South Korean shipbuilding firm announced the deal on October 24, revealing that the vessels will be constructed at its shipyard in Vietnam. This move aligns with Samsung Heavy’s strategy to diversify its production bases and optimize operational efficiency across international facilities. Each tanker is estimated to cost roughly $79 million, reflecting the scale and sophistication of the project.
The contract, valued at 341.1 billion South Korean won, marks a significant milestone in Samsung Heavy’s 2025 order book, pushing its cumulative orders for the year to approximately $5.2 billion. The company currently operates a full-scale shipyard in South Korea and a vessel block plant in China, and has been actively expanding its global partnerships to meet rising demand in the energy transport sector. By leveraging its international production capabilities, Samsung Heavy aims to deliver high-performance vessels that meet evolving environmental and safety standards.
For Liberia, the deal underscores its continued prominence in global maritime trade. The country’s ship registry ranks among the largest in the world, and commissioning new oil tankers signals a commitment to modernizing its fleet and enhancing competitiveness in international shipping. The new vessels are expected to support crude oil transport across major global routes, contributing to energy logistics and strengthening Liberia’s role in the global supply chain.
This agreement also reflects broader trends in the shipbuilding industry, where demand for energy-efficient, technologically advanced vessels is driving innovation and investment. Samsung Heavy’s ability to secure high-value international contracts highlights its technical expertise and strategic agility in a rapidly evolving market. As preparations begin for delivery by March 2029, the project is set to reinforce the company’s reputation for excellence in ship design and construction, while supporting Liberia’s ambitions in maritime development.