Prokopiou's Dynacom extends newbuilding spree with fresh VLCC quartet at Hengli

Guangdong Songfa Ceramics disclosed on 17 January that its subsidiary, Hengli Heavy Industries, has secured agreements for the construction of four 306,000-dwt VLCCs and one 114,000-dwt LR2 tanker.

According to the announcement, the VLCC orders were placed by single-ship companies affiliated with Dynacom Tankers, while the LR2 was contracted by a well-known European shipowner.

The VLCC deal is valued at between US$400M and US$600M, with deliveries slated for the second half of 2028. The LR2 contract is estimated at US$70M to US$100M, with delivery scheduled for Q2 2027.

Hengli described Dynacom as a “shipping enterprise with significant influence in the maritime industry,” noting that its fleet underpins its deep involvement in the crude and refined oil transport markets and its strong operational record across global seaborne logistics.

Long-term co-operation

This latest order extends an ongoing relationship between the two companies. Dynacom was last linked to another four-ship order at Hengli in October, with earlier delivery slots in 2026 and 2027.

Earlier in 2025, Hengli delivered Aliakmon I, its first-ever VLCC, to the Greek owner.

George Prokopiou continues to run one of the largest newbuilding programmes in the global shipping industry, with tankers and bulkers featuring heavily. Hengli has also been entrusted with multiple Kamsarmax newbuildings for Sea Traders, the dry bulk arm of the Greek shipping group.

John Fredriksen-led Seatankers also recently returned to Hengli, adding further VLCCs to its orderbook.

Data from Xclusiv Shipbrokers, provided to Riviera, shows that Greek owners placed orders for 14 VLCCs in 2025, up from nine units the previous year. Globally, 60 vessels were contracted, compared with 68 in 2024.