Did Samsung Heavy Just Secure a $200 Million Deal for Crude Oil Carriers from North America?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Samsung Heavy Industries has won a contract for $199.4 million.
- The vessels are to be delivered by January 2029.
- Samsung Heavy has achieved 83% of its annual order target.
- 32 contracts have been secured for various types of vessels this year.
- Significant investments are planned between South Korea and the U.S.
Seoul, Nov 7 (NationPress) Samsung Heavy Industries announced on Friday that it has secured a contract valued at 290.1 billion won (approximately $199.4 million) to construct two crude oil carriers for an undisclosed client in North America.
As part of this agreement, the vessels are scheduled for sequential delivery by January 2029. With this latest contract, Samsung Heavy has now achieved 83 percent of its $5.8 billion annual order goal for commercial shipbuilding, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
In 2023, Samsung Heavy has successfully secured contracts for a total of 32 vessels, which includes seven liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, nine shuttle tankers, and eleven crude oil carriers.
A company representative noted, “Demand for replacing aging crude carriers is anticipated to persist.” They added, “We will adapt to evolving market conditions through a collaborative production network with both domestic and international shipyards.”
The shipbuilding and energy sectors are predicted to constitute a significant part of South Korea's planned $350 billion investment in the United States, a commitment made under a comprehensive trade agreement between the two nations this week. This initiative aligns with the U.S. administration's efforts to revamp the country's infrastructure for key industries.
South Korea and the U.S. have finalized the specifics of Seoul's investment commitment, which includes a reduction in U.S. tariffs on Korean goods, effectively concluding months of trade negotiations.
According to the agreed framework, the $350 billion investment will consist of $200 billion in cash installments and $150 billion earmarked for shipbuilding collaboration, with an annual limit of $20 billion.
The two nations will oversee this investment through an investment committee led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, which will evaluate potential projects, along with a dedicated special purpose company to manage the funds.