Samsung Heavy Industries has secured a $1.2 billion order for six vessels from an Oceania-based shipowner, taking its 2026 commercial ship orders above both its annual target and last year’s total.
Announced on 14 September, the contract covers four large LNG carriers worth $1 billion and two crude oil carriers valued at $200 million. The combined contract value is approximately 1.6 trillion won.
The latest order brings Samsung Heavy Industries‘ commercial ship orders for the year to $7.3 billion. This is above the $7.1 billion recorded last year and exceeds its 2026 commercial ship order target of $5.7 billion by 28%.
The four LNG carriers will have cargo capacities in the 200,000 cubic meters class. This compares with the standard 174,000 cubic meters class, allowing more cargo to be carried on each voyage.
With the latest vessels included, Samsung Heavy Industries has secured 18 LNG carrier orders this year, including one LNG-FSRU.
Its commercial ship orders now comprise 42 vessels. The total consists of 18 LNG carriers, two ethane carriers, four gas carriers, four container ships and 14 crude oil carriers.
The company has also secured two FLNGs worth a combined $4.4 billion in its offshore division, reaching 54% of the division’s order target.
Across its commercial ship and offshore businesses, Samsung Heavy Industries has secured 44 vessels worth $11.7 billion. The figure represents 84% of its overall 2026 order target of $13.9 billion.
Global newbuilding orders also increased during the first half of 2026. Clarkson Research data showed a 66% year-on-year increase in compensated gross tonnage. A total of 59 LNG carriers were ordered during the period, approaching the number ordered for the whole of last year.
Samsung Heavy Industries said the latest order reflected the shipowner’s requirements for long-distance transportation.
