Aggressive tanker buyer IMS swoops for another Teekay Suezmax in sixth deal since December

The Greek owner has secured four Suezmax and two MR tankers, with three vessels already delivered into the fleet.

In the latest transaction, IMS purchased 2009-built, 159,021-dwt Suezmax Dilong Spirit. According to shipbroking sources, the vessel – previously owned by US-listed Teekay Tankers – changed hands for approximately US$43M.

This marks the second ex-Teekay Suezmax to join IMS’s fleet in 2026. In January, the company took delivery of 2007-built, 159,233-dwt Los Angeles Spirit, which has since been renamed Dokos.

During the first half of 2025, IMS acquired two Aframax/LR2 tankers from Teekay, built in 2006 and 2007, further strengthening its presence in the segment.

The recent investment spree includes 2008-built Suezmaxes Spetsa (ex-Oceanus, 150,393 dwt) and Sapphira (149,876 dwt), the latter still trading under its original name.

IMS has also been active in the MR tanker segment, acquiring 2008-built, 51,228-dwt Star Kestrel, now renamed Spathi, as well as 2007-built, 51,213-dwt Star Osprey.

Serial buyer

According to shipping platform data, IMS currently manages a fleet of more than 30 tankers. The company has emerged as a serial buyer over the past two to three years, with 24 vessels joining the fleet since 2023.

Shipbroking sources note that IMS remains consistently active in the market, scanning opportunities across all tanker segments and seeking to capitalise on geopolitical developments and favourable market fundamentals.

At the same time, the company has executed several profitable asset plays, divesting vessels at prices above their acquisition cost, thereby helping to finance its ongoing expansion strategy.