Turkish conglomerate Ciner Group is back in the spotlight with another big move in shipping, this time linked to a major order for ammonia capable vessels that further expands its already fast-growing fleet strategy.
According to South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai, a contract worth roughly $715 million has been placed for six dual-fuel VLAC/LPG carriers to be built at HD Hyundai Samho. The buyer hasn’t been officially named, but shipbroking circles and market sources are pointing strongly toward Ciner Group.
Delivery of the vessels is scheduled through to December 2029, which shows just how long-term and structured this expansion plan really is. It also highlights how seriously Ciner is positioning itself in gas-related shipping, particularly ammonia, which is expected to play a bigger role in future energy transport chains.
The order is believed to be placed through Ciner’s shipping arm, led by Vasileios Papakalodoukas, which relocated its operational base to Greece in early 2025. That move has already been seen as part of a broader effort to get closer to European shipping finance and commercial networks.
What stands out here is not just this single deal, but the pattern behind it. Ciner Group has been building a very wide and very active orderbook across several segments at once, rather than focusing on one niche. It’s a strategy that’s becoming more and more visible in recent years.
Alongside gas carriers, the group recently ordered six ultramax bulk carriers at New Dayang Shipbuilding in China, adding more depth to its dry bulk exposure. It also already has 3,100 TEU container ships on order from late 2025, while larger bulkers are currently under construction at Hengli Shipbuilding in Dalian.
Taken together, the picture is quite clear: Ciner is not just growing its fleet, it’s building a multi-sector shipping platform, spreading across bulk, containers, and now gas transportation. In a market where long-term energy and trade flows are shifting, this kind of diversified positioning looks very deliberate rather than opportunistic.
