Hengli Heavy Industries has once again demonstrated its strong competitiveness in the global new shipbuilding market. Following the announcement of two bulk carriers on the 24th, it has secured another major order!
On the evening of February 25, Hengli Heavy Industries’ listed entity *ST Songfa announced that its subsidiary Hengli Shipbuilding (Dalian) Co., Ltd. recently signed and finalized a contract for the construction of three 306,000 DWT Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). The total contract value amounts to approximately US$300-400 million (equivalent to RMB 2.06-2.74 billion).
The announcement disclosed that the counterparty to this contract is a well-known European shipowner. Pursuant to the agreement between the shipowner and Hengli Shipbuilding and the relevant provisions of the “Administrative Measures for the Suspension and Exemption of Information Disclosure by Listed Companies,” disclosure of the shipowner’s specific information is exempted.
It is understood that the 306,000 DWT VLCCs contracted by Hengli Heavy Industries represents a mainstream international large crude oil carrier design, characterized by its large loading capacity, strong endurance and high operational efficiency.
Notably, the above three VLCCs represent Hengli Heavy Industries’ second newbuilding contract announced during the Lunar New Year period. Just one day prior (February 24), the company announced the effective date for a contract to build two Capesize bulk carriers.
Including the latest orders, Hengli Heavy Industries has secured orders for 67+4 new vessels so far this year, comprising 7+2 bulk carriers, 38 VLCCs, 14 tankers and 8+2 container ships.
In 2026, the VLCC newbuilding market experienced explosive growth. As of February 25, a total of 45+1 vessels had been ordered globally. Based on confirmed orders, this figure already accounts for approximately 75% of the roughly 60 vessels ordered throughout 2025. Chinese, South Korean, and Japanese shipyards secured 41+1, 3, and 1 orders respectively. Among shipyards, Hengli Heavy Industries has emerged as the clear dark horse, securing 38 VLCC orders this year and demonstrating overwhelming dominance.