New York-listed tanker owner DHT Holdings has confirmed the acquisition of a very large crude carrier (VLCC). DHT expects to add one VLCC in the third quarter of 2025, with an acquisition price of US$107 million.
The vessel, which has not yet been named, was built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2018 and is equipped with a desulfurization device. This move is expected to improve the average age structure of DHT’s fleet and further enhance operational efficiency indicators.
In April this year, DHT sold two VLCCs built by Chinese shipyards, DHT Lotus and DHT Peony, for a total of US$103 million. With the sale of the two VLCCs, DHT became the first known VLCC owner to sell all its Chinese-built vessels.
In addition to being active in the second-hand ship market, DHT currently has four VLCCs under construction by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Samho, with delivery expected between April and December 2026.
The four new vessels will be built to new super-environmentally friendly design specifications, with a deadweight of approximately 320,000 tons, equipped with exhaust gas purification systems, compliant with Tier III standards, and designed to improve profitability through improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
DHT Holding’s official website shows that the company is an independent crude oil tanker company that currently owns a fleet of 26 VLCCs (including vessels under construction). The company pointed out that the outlook for vessel supply in the VLCC market is very constructive.