Norway’s Uthalden reportedly expands Hengli ties with Suezmax order

On 30 December 2025, Guangdong Songfa Ceramics disclosed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange that its subsidiary, Hengli Heavy Industries, had secured a contract to build a 158,000-dwt Suezmax tanker, scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2029.

The shipyard did not disclose the buyer’s identity, only noting that it is a well-known European shipowner. Chinese media later reported that an unidentified Norwegian shipping company was behind the deal, and shipbroking and market sources have linked Uthalden to the order.

According to the official disclosure, the total contract value is estimated at between US$80M-$100M.

Uthalden and Hengli are already co-operating on a separate shipbuilding project comprising three Kamsarmax bulk carriers, with deliveries planned through 2027, according to the shipping company’s website.

In addition, Uthalden is running a newbuilding programme for four Ultramax bulk carriers at China’s Jiangsu Haitong Shipyard, set to enter the market between 2027 and 2028. The company has also recently partnered with MPC Container Ships to establish a 50/50 joint venture, which will own two 4,500-TEU container vessel newbuildings under construction at Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering Co, with deliveries scheduled for 2028.

Uthalden, wholly owned by Harald Moræus-Hanssen, invests in both publicly listed securities and private companies and assets, primarily within the shipping, offshore, and oil services sectors. Uthalden Maritime Management AS plays an active role in supervising technical and commercial matters throughout the acquisition, management, and disposal of assets, as well as overseeing day-to-day business operations.

The company’s operations cover a diversified fleet including tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels, car carriers, drillships, and offshore vessels.