Laskaridis Maritime enters VLCC market with two-vessel order at China’s Hengli Shipbuilding

The prominent Greek owner confirmed to Riviera it has signed a contract for two VLCCs at Hengli Shipbuilding. “The early delivery dates within 2026 and Q1 2027 made it interesting for us,” Laskaridis Maritime said, adding the vessels are similar in specifications to recent orders by Dynacom Tankers and Frontline at the same yard.

“We are diversifying our fleet into the wet trades and can confirm our existing tanker orders remain as previously stated, with the first Yangzijiang ship scheduled for delivery in January,” the company highlighted.

In recent years, Alimia Shipping Limited (ASL) and Laskaridis Maritime have been highly active in the newbuilding sector, gradually expanding the group’s fleet to 34 vessels – 28 bulk carriers and six tankers – most of which were constructed at Chinese shipyards, including several still under construction. The tanker segment comprises five MR2s and one LR2, the latter being built at Yangzijiang. 

Laskaridis Maritime also noted its ongoing relationship with Hengli, stating, “We already have a significant relationship with Hengli following an initial order of 10 Kamsarmax bulk carriers, of which three have already been delivered and are trading.”

Hengli Shipbuilding dominates the market

Hengli Shipbuilding has been at the forefront of newbuilding activity in recent weeks, securing significant contracts across the tanker, bulk carrier and container vessel markets.

In the VLCC segment, George Prokopiou’s Dynacom and John Fredriksen’s Frontline have recently placed new orders, while George Economou-led TMS Tankers is reportedly considering a major deal.

Notably, Guangdong Songfa Ceramics disclosed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on 30 October that it had signed a contract for the construction of two VLCCs with a well-known European shipowner, though the counterparty’s identity was not revealed. The contract is valued at approximately US$200–300M, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027.

Beyond the VLCC order, Guangdong Songfa Ceramics also announced a contract for three 4,600-TEU container vessels for a well-known domestic shipping service provider. These vessels are scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2028.