Zodiac Maritime tied to new VLCC order amid sharp jump in contracting

The UK-headquartered shipowner has been linked to a contract for a pair of VLCCs at Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry.

The shipbuilder announced on domestic social media that it secured orders for 19 vessels in November, covering VLCCs, Newcastlemax and Kamsarmax bulk carriers, and mid-sized container ships, with deliveries scheduled for 2028–2029.

Although Hantong did not identify the buyers, it said owners from the UK, Japan, Germany and other countries are behind the orders.

In addition to the reported Zodiac deal, shipbrokers also point to Trafigura, which – as first reported by Riviera – has added another two VLCCs to its sizeable orderbook at the yard.

The VLCC segment has seen renewed newbuilding interest since the summer. Maran Tankers, Ray Car Carriers and Eastern Pacific Shipping have all been linked to significant orders in recent weeks across South Korean and Chinese yards.

According to a recent Drewry report, “Skyrocketing freight rates have resulted in a sudden surge in VLCC ordering, with 27 VLCCs ordered so far in November.” Drewry counts 58 VLCCs contracted between January and November this year, compared with 68 during the same period in 2024.

Established in London in 1976, Zodiac Maritime has remained headquartered there ever since. Information on the company’s website shows it controls a diversified fleet exceeding 20M dwt, including container ships, bulk carriers, PCTCs, tankers and LPG carriers.