Greek shipowner Tsakos is on verge of inking bargain suezmax newbuildings.
The group is said to be picking up two resale-newbuilding contracts from Sungdong Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering for $52m each.
The ships in question, Hull Nos 2032 and 2033, were part of a four-vessel order placed by Tsakos in 2009 at a reported $70m each for delivery in 2011. Two were delivered last year. One source says Tsakos cancelled the remaining two early last year when it booked a pair of 4,700-teu containerships at the yard.
The two suezmax vessels are due for delivery this year.
Meanwhile, a price of $52m for a suezmax is the lowest in nearly 10 years.
London-based VesselsValue.com currently puts a $54.7m price tag on the 158,000-dwt Spyros K, delivered in May 2011.
Oslo-based broker Nordic Shipping gives a value of $58m for a suezmax resale and London broker Clarksons quotes $62m.