Pleiades swells LR1 orders at New Times

Greek tanker owner Pleiades Shipping is pressing ahead with its fleet rejuvenation programme with three additional LR1 newbuilds in China.

The Kifissia-based company has revealed a 73,000 dwt trio booked at New Times Shipbuilding for delivery in 2028.

Last October, brokers reported a deal for two firm and two optional units costing around $55m each, but the company’s website now shows five newbuildings contracted.

Pleiades lists a fleet of 10 tankers, including five Sumitomo-built 61,300 dwt panamax product carriers, most of which were delivered in 2006. The order at New Times is the company’s first at a Chinese yard.