Wedoany.com Report-Feb 25, Angola’s state-owned oil company, Sonangol, is planning to expand its fleet by ordering new suezmax crude tankers from South Korea. Shipbuilding sources indicate that the company has engaged HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to construct two vessels, each with a capacity of 158,000 deadweight tons (dwt). These tankers will be equipped with scrubber technology to meet environmental standards. The agreement, currently at the letter of intent phase, is valued at approximately $190 million. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027 and 2028, extending the timeline of Sonangol’s fleet growth.

Sonangol presently operates a fleet of 17 tankers and five gas carriers, as reported by VesselsValue. Two additional suezmax tankers, ordered earlier, are already under construction at HD Hyundai Samho and expected to join the fleet in 2025. With this latest move, the company continues its decade-long relationship with South Korean shipyards. Since late 2014, Sonangol will have commissioned a total of 10 suezmaxes from these facilities once the new order is confirmed.

The decision reflects Sonangol’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its maritime transport capacity. The suezmax class, designed to carry crude oil through the Suez Canal, aligns with the company’s operational needs in global trade routes. Each vessel’s 158,000 dwt capacity ensures flexibility in transporting substantial oil volumes, supporting Angola’s position as a key player in the energy sector.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, a prominent shipbuilder, has a track record of delivering reliable tonnage to Sonangol. The scrubber-fitted design of the new tankers complies with international regulations aimed at reducing emissions, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. The estimated $190 million investment underscores the scale of the project and its significance to both the oil company and the shipyard.

Executives from Sonangol have not publicly detailed the strategic priorities behind the order. However, a company spokesperson previously stated about fleet expansion: “Our focus remains on enhancing efficiency and meeting market demands.” This approach suggests a pragmatic intent to bolster Angola’s oil export capabilities amid fluctuating global energy needs.

The agreement’s progression from a letter of intent to a finalized contract will depend on negotiations and financial arrangements. Industry observers note that South Korean yards, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, have consistently met Sonangol’s technical and delivery expectations over the past decade. The two tankers set for 2025 delivery from HD Hyundai Samho remain on schedule, reinforcing confidence in the partnership.

Once completed, the new vessels will join a growing lineup of suezmaxes, bringing Sonangol’s total to 10 from South Korean builders since 2014. This steady expansion highlights Angola’s long-term strategy to strengthen its shipping infrastructure, ensuring it can efficiently transport crude oil to international markets. The deliveries in 2027 and 2028 will mark another step in this sustained collaboration between Sonangol and South Korea’s shipbuilding industry.