12-vessel newbuild deal brings Chinese shipbuilder up to $1.6 billion

China’s shipbuilding playerHengli Heavy Industries has received a newbuilding order for 12 vessels with Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS).

This contract, estimated to be worth between $1.1 and $1.6 billion, will enable Eastern Pacific Shipping to expand its fleet with 12 newbuilds. These vessels are scheduled to be delivered from the second half of 2027 through 2028.

As a result, Hengli will construct six very large crude carriers (VLCCs), each with approximately 306,000 DWT; two liquified natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel Suezmax tankers of 157,000 DWT; and four container ships with 6,000 TEU capacity.

The ships, which are expected to come with scrubber technology and LNG dual-fuel capacity, are anticipated to meet the decarbonization targets that are part of the green shipping push the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is pursuing.

Hengli secured an order for ten 24,000 TEU units last year with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company.