MSC, EPS, Shandong Ocean reportedly behind major orders at Hengli

The Chinese shipbuilder has confirmed a contract for two LNG dual-fuel 22,000-TEU container vessels with an undisclosed client. Shipbroking and market sources attribute the order to Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world’s largest liner operator. Earlier this year, MSC, led by the Aponte family, signed a deal with Hengli for six vessels of the same size. Reports at the time indicated the vessels would be equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines and priced at approximately US$220M each. Market sources suggest the new pair may be options attached to the earlier contract.

Hengli also announced a deal for two firm plus two optional LNG dual-fuel Suezmax tankers, again without naming the buyer. However, market sources link the order to Eastern Pacific Shipping. European brokers reported in early July that the company was seeking to build Suezmax tankers at the Chinese yard, aligning with this development. The major owner is currently undertaking a substantial newbuilding programme spanning most key shipping segments.

In the bulk carrier segment, Hengli has also secured an order for two firm plus two optional 95,000-dwt bulk carriers, reportedly from China’s Shandong Ocean Shipping, formerly known as Shandong Port Shipping Group Co. Chinese media noted the deal was settled in renminbi, supporting national currency policy initiatives. In June, Shandong Ocean announced plans to order two such vessels from Hengli with a total budget of approximately US$76M. The finalised contract now includes two additional optional ships.

Hengli Heavy Industry has demonstrated remarkable growth over the past two years. Established by the Hengli Group following its acquisition of the former STX Dalian facility, the private yard amassed an orderbook totalling 19.9M dwt by the end of 2024, ranking it as the sixth-largest shipbuilding group globally.