On February 3, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) subsidiaries China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. (CSTC) and Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) formally signed a contract with Greek shipowner Central Group for 10 50,000 DWT MR product tankers. This landmark order marks another major breakthrough for CSSC in the oil tanker market.
Industry sources indicate that Central Group, a privately held enterprise under Greek shipowner Evangelos Pistiolis, has placed an order for 10 new vessels with a total value approaching $500 million. Based on this figure, the cost per vessel is approximately $50 million. This represents the largest MR product tanker order to date in 2026.
As a world-class ship management company, Central Group has long provided shipping services to energy giants such as Shell and BP, accumulating extensive experience in vessel management. Having previously commissioned newbuilds exclusively from South Korean shipbuilders, the group’s decision to turn to China for the first time—and to select Guangzhou Shipyard International as its preferred partner—fully demonstrates its recognition of CSSC’s brand strength and technological capabilities.
This oil tanker, independently designed by Guangzhou Shipyard International, measures approximately 183 meters in length and 32.2 meters in width. With a design service speed of about 14.5 knots and configured with 6+1 pairs of cargo tanks, it delivers outstanding maneuverability, safety, and economic performance, meeting the shipowner’s customized requirements. The vessel’s overall design complies with the latest international regulations and incorporates energy-saving and environmentally friendly systems. It meets the International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emission standards, highlighting its comprehensive advantages in green and intelligent performance.
During the project negotiations, China Shipbuilding Trading demonstrated a highly professional attitude and a proactive service attitude, actively leading the communication and consultation, meticulously optimizing key terms, striving to create maximum value for both parties and winning high recognition from the shipowner.
This contract signing represents a significant achievement for CSSC, achieved by leveraging its brand strength and demonstrating sincere commitment. It lays a solid foundation for the company to continue expanding its portfolio of high-end international clients and consolidate its leading position in the MR tanker market.