Greek shipowner Carlova Maritime has ordered two additional oil tankers in 2026, further expanding its newbuilding portfolio.
According to Carlova Maritime’s fleet data, the company has placed an additional order with Hanwha Ocean shipyard for one 300,000 DWT Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), which is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2029.
Including the VLCCs of similar specifications ordered for 2025, Carlova has placed orders for two VLCCs with Hanwha Ocean shipyard, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2027. Based on the estimated construction cost of approximately $125 million for the first vessel, the total cost for the two VLCCs will be at least $250 million.
Currently, Greek shipowners are actively pursuing VLCC orders. Data from Xclusiv Shipbrokers shows that in the first quarter of 2026, Greek shipowners had already ordered at least 20 VLCCs, a significant increase from the two orders placed during the same period last year.
In addition to placing an order for a VLCC with Hanwha Ocean shipyard, Carlova has also ordered one 114,000 DWT Aframax product tanker from Hengli Heavy Industry Group, which is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2028.
As shipowners’ interest in newbuilds has shifted toward the larger-tonnage tanker market, orders for Aframax product tankers have been relatively sluggish. Taking Greek shipowners as an example, data from Xclusiv Shipbrokers shows that only four vessels were ordered between January and March 2026.
It is understood that during the first quarter of 2026, Hengli Heavy Industry emerged as a major player in the new tanker construction market. According to data released by Hengli Heavy Industry, a total of 108 new vessels were contracted in the first quarter of 2026, comprising 76 tankers (including 54 VLCCs, 18 Suezmax tankers, and 4 LRII product tankers). The remainder consisted of 12 container ships, 16 bulk carriers, and 4 cryogenic vessels.
The company’s website indicates that Carlova Maritime currently operates a fleet of 11 vessels, comprising 7 oil tankers and 4 bulk carriers, all built by Japanese shipyards.