It has been reported that Ciner Group, one of Turkey's industrial holdings, has placed an order for six very large ammonia carriers (VLAC) valued at approximately $715 million with the South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai.

In a statement made by HD Hyundai, it was noted that a contract has been signed with a 'European shipowner,' and it was expressed that the order includes dual-fuel VLAC/LPG carriers to be constructed at the HD Hyundai Samho shipyard.

Although the company's name has not been officially disclosed, industry sources and ship brokers indicate that the order is connected to Ciner Group. It has also been reflected in industry circles that Ciner had previously engaged in advanced discussions with HD Hyundai for significant LNG carrier projects.

The delivery of the vessels is planned to be completed by December 2029. It is assessed that the order was placed through the group's maritime branch, which operates based in Greece. Vasileios Papakalodoukas is at the helm of this operation.

Aggressive growth in fleet investments

Ciner Group, based in Istanbul, has been drawing attention with one of the most aggressive fleet expansion programs in the maritime sector in recent years.

The group is continuing new ship investments not only in gas transportation but also in bulk, container, and various other transportation segments.

It is known that Ciner has recently ordered six ultramax bulk carriers from the New Dayang Shipbuilding yard in China.

The company is also continuing its investments in container transportation. The group has orders for 3,100 TEU capacity container ships planned for delivery by the end of 2025, and it is reported that larger bulk carriers are also being constructed at the Hengli Shipyard in Dalian.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye