Greece's Alberta Shipmanagement emerges with Aframax newbuilding pair in Japan

Multiple shipping data platforms list the Greek owner as having two 115,000-dwt Aframax tankers on order at Imabari Shipbuilding, with deliveries scheduled through 2028. Shipbroking and market sources indicate that the order was placed some months ago but has only recently come to light.

Aframax/LR2 tanker orders have surged this year after a relatively subdued 2025. According to Veson Nautical’s mid-year report, 68 vessels were contracted between January and June 2026, compared with just 16 during the same period last year.

Alberta Shipmanagement, which has been approached for comment, is a strong supporter of the Japanese shipbuilding industry. Last year, the company emerged as the buyer behind an order for two VLCCs at Japan Marine United Corp (JMU)’s Tsu Shipyard, with the vessels scheduled to join the fleet in 2027.

Meanwhile, the company oversees an active fleet of 22 tankers and bulk carriers, with the vast majority built in Japan, according to information published on its website.

Alberta Shipmanagement also appears to be targeting the secondhand market to further strengthen its fleet. In May, it emerged as the new owner of 2006-built LR1 tanker Tardis, a Japanese-built asset formerly known as Pgc Alexandria. The vessel reportedly changed hands earlier this year for a price close to US$16M.

One notable move by the company was its expansion into the container ship sector, with an order at CSSC Guangzhou Wenchong for two 1,900-TEU feeder vessels. Alberta Shipmanagement is expected to take delivery of the pair from the Chinese shipbuilder next year.

With roots in shipping tracing back to 1875, Alberta Shipmanagement was established in 2019 by the fifth generation of the Inglessis family.