Chinese Yards Dominate Newbuilding Contracts as Tanker Demand Rises

Global newbuilding contracting saw broad-based momentum over the past week, with shipowners placing substantial orders across the tanker, dry bulk, container and gas carrier segments, according to Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide, citing shipbroking and market valuation reports. Shipbroker Banchero Costa reported that Chinese shipyards maintained their dominant position by securing a significant share of the reported business, with Hengli Heavy Industries featuring prominently across multiple sectors.

Tanker and container contracting expands

Tanker contracting was particularly prominent in the latest round of shipyard commitments. Liquimar Tankers was reported to have contracted three 157,000 dwt crude oil tankers at Jiangsu New Hantong, with delivery dates scheduled between June 2029 and June 2030. In the product and chemical segment, Top Ships reportedly placed an order for four 50,000 dwt tankers at Guangzhou Shipyard International for June 2029 delivery, with the vessels featuring Ice Class 1A specifications. In addition, Emarat Maritime entered into contracts for five 74,000 dwt tankers at Jiangsu Hantong Shipbuilding at approximately USD 55 million each, with deliveries scheduled between June 2029 and December 2030.

In the container market, Zhonggu Shipping reportedly contracted two 14,000 teu containerships with conventional propulsion at Hudong-Zhonghua, priced at roughly USD 155 million each and scheduled for delivery in December 2029. Meanwhile, an unnamed German owner reportedly booked four 3,200 teu containerships at Hengli Heavy Industries at around USD 48 million each, slated for delivery between June and December 2028.

Dry bulk ordering also recorded notable transactions. Yangzijiang Maritime reportedly contracted four firm plus two optional 82,000 dwt bulk carriers at Jiangsu Watts & Engineering, with deliveries anticipated in March and June 2028. Eurodry reportedly placed an order for three 82,000 dwt bulkers at Hengli Heavy Industries, priced at approximately USD 37 million apiece for delivery in September 2029, following two previously unannounced contracts for identical tonnage placed at the yard in April and May 2026.

Secondhand crude tankers and bulk carriers in demand

Alongside shipyard ordering, secondhand transaction activity demonstrated firm interest in crude tonnage. Valuation firm Veson Nautical stated that crude tanker values climbed further as very large crude carrier (VLCC) availability remained tight. With buyers seeking lower capital outlay alternatives, attention shifted toward Suezmaxes, where several 2010-built units changed hands at comparable levels. Older tonnage also saw continued interest, highlighted by the sale of the 2004-built VLCC Southern Emperor by Minsheng Financial Leasing for USD 110.0 million against a valuation of USD 102.94 million.

Additional crude tanker deals included the 2011-built VLCC Eurospirit, sold with special survey and dry docking due to Middle Eastern buyers for USD 153.0 million. In the Suezmax segment, Sun Enterprises sold the 2010-built Achilleas for USD 98.0 million, and Maran Tankers offloaded the 2010-built Maran Poseidon for USD 98.5 million. In smaller crude and clean segments, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime sold the 2004-built Aframax Hydra for USD 51.5 million, while the 2007-built MR2 Valle Azzurra went to West African buyers for USD 20.0 million.

In the dry bulk secondhand sector, Veson Nautical noted that asset values remained broadly stable, though Capesize pricing edged slightly lower amid softer freight earnings. Prompt tonnage nevertheless commanded a premium, as evidenced by the 2009-built Capesize Pan Advance, which was sold to Greek buyers for USD 37.0 million against a valuation of USD 34.60 million. Other reported bulker transactions included the Panamax Wei He at USD 16.5 million, the Ultramax Bulk Guatemala at USD 23.0 million to Lianson Fleet Group Berhad, and Supramaxes Jin Xing and Shenli at USD 14.6 million and USD 9.8 million respectively. Handysize units Marem and ZBB Serenity changed hands for USD 13.0 million and USD 12.0 million.