Swiss shipping company Advantage Tankers has placed an additional order with Hanwha Ocean for a 320,000 DWT very large crude carrier (VLCC) as part of its strategy to accelerate its entry into the large tanker market.
Sources revealed that Advantage Tankers has ordered a third 320,000 DWT VLCC from Hanwha Ocean, bringing its total new ship orders to 10, including four VLCCs.
The cost of the third new vessel has not been disclosed. For reference, the cost of the first two vessels announced in April this year was approximately US$128.5 million. The three VLCCs are expected to be delivered in the second and third quarters of 2027 and can use liquefied natural gas fuel.
With the latest orders, Hanwha Ocean has secured seven confirmed orders for VLCCs this year and signed a letter of intent with Greece’s Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) for the construction of 2+1 VLCCs, making it one of the most active shipbuilders in the VLCC segment this year.
According to reports, Advantage Tankers, controlled by Nazli Williams, was founded in 2014. The company currently operates a diversified fleet of approximately 25 vessels, including six VLCCs.
In addition to the order from Hanwha Ocean, Advantage Tankers has also ordered one VLCC from Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry (NHT), which is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Including the order from Advantage Tankers, according to incomplete statistics, NHT has undertaken 7 VLCCs, which will further demonstrate its professional capabilities in the construction of large liquid cargo vessels.