STX shipbuilder gets $150m order from Greece

STX Offshore and Shipbuilding Co. announced Monday that it has won a $150 million contract from a Greek shipping company.

The Changwon, South Gyeongsang-based shipbuilder said that the contract for four petroleum product carriers was signed with the Greek shipping firm Thenamaris Ships Management Inc. on Friday.

The shipbuilder said that the first of the four vessels will be delivered to Thenamaris Ships Management during the second quarter of next year. According to STX Offshore and Shipbuilding, the Greek company will decide the cargo and whether to charter the vessels according to market conditions at the time of delivery.

The tankers will be built to carry up to 51,000 metric tons of petroleum products, and will be able to reach speed of up to 14.5 knots, the company said.

Established in 1970, Thenamaris Ships Management is a mid-sized shipping firm that operates about 40 vessels including ore and oil carriers.

The company also provides vessel management services, and has been expanding into container shipping business.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)