Carlova Maritime Ordered Two New Aframax Tankers
The order signals fleet expansion for shipping operators navigating the current newbuild market cycle.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Carlova Maritime has placed an order for two 114,000 dwt aframax tankers with Japan-based Imabari Shipbuilding. The company, led by Anthony Inglessis, is expanding its fleet, which currently includes the 2025-built Phaedra and 2023-built Penelope.
Why it matters
The order reflects a commitment to scaling fleet capacity within the competitive energy transportation sector. For maritime operators, these long-lead capital investments highlight the importance of securing shipyard slots amid tightening global supply chains for large-scale vessel construction.
Carlova Maritime has commissioned two 114,000 dwt aframax tankers, expanding its total disclosed orderbook to six vessels. These additions supplement existing fleet units, including the 82,000 dwt kamsarmax and 300,000 dwt VLCC ship classes held by the firm.
The players
Carlova Maritime
An international shipping company operating a fleet of aframax tankers and other bulk carriers.
Imabari Shipbuilding
A major Japanese shipbuilding company that designs and constructs large-scale commercial maritime vessels.
Anthony Inglessis
The leader of Carlova Maritime with oversight over the company's fleet expansion and capital investment strategy.
Sumitomo Heavy Industries
A diversified heavy machinery manufacturer providing specialized shipbuilding facilities in Japan.
The details
The construction project utilizes a collaborative manufacturing approach, with Imabari Shipbuilding outsourcing the creation of mega-blocks to manage assembly. A portion of the hull construction is specifically slated for the Sumitomo Heavy Industries facility located in Yokosuka, Japan. This split-site production strategy is a common mechanism used by major shipbuilders to optimize yard capacity and meet stringent delivery timelines.
Timeline
The Penelope vessel was built in 2023.
The Phaedra vessel was built in 2025.
The first new tanker is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2029.
The second new tanker is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2030.
Market Landscape
This order follows the market trends established in the April 2026 Splash report on newbuilding orders, which highlighted rising demand for medium-sized tanker capacity. It aligns with broader industry patterns of utilizing multi-yard partnerships to secure production slots through 2030.
Operators should monitor long-range delivery schedules in Japan and South Korea, as these indicate tightening capacity for mid-sized tanker construction. Fleet managers should evaluate whether to accelerate newbuild orders now to mitigate rising lead times for capital-intensive assets.
The takeaway
Large-scale fleet expansion requires early coordination with multi-site manufacturing partners to manage delivery risks. Operators should track the construction timelines of their peer companies to better forecast competitive capacity shifts entering the market toward the end of the decade.
What happens next
The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in Q4 2029, followed by the second vessel in Q1 2030.
Further reading
For more on capital expenditure trends in the sector, visit the Oil and Gas section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Splash247.
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