The global market for new Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) remains robust, with shipowners who have stayed away from the VLCC market for nearly a decade returning to place orders. Meanwhile, Wison New Energies, which has traditionally focused on the offshore engineering market, is using this opportunity to officially enter the VLCC construction sector.
Wison New Energies (“Wison”) and United Overseas Group Ltd. (“UOG”) are announced the signing of contracts for the construction of up to ten (10) Very Large Crude Carriers (“VLCCs”), comprising six (6) firm orders and four (4) optional vessels, each with a deadweight capacity of 319,000 DWT delivering from Q4 2027 onwards.
To commemorate the transaction, Mr. Peter C. Georgiopoulos, Chairman of UOG, Mr. Leo J. Vrondissis, Executive Director of UOG, together with their delegation, visited the Shanghai Wison Center, where they were received by Ms. Cheng Yuanyun, CEO of Wison New Energies.
The project represents a significant milestone for both companies. For Wison New Energies, it marks the company’s first entry into the VLCC segment and will further strengthen the company’s competitiveness in high-end offshore engineering and large-scale vessel construction. For UOG, the transaction reflects its continued commitment to investing in modern, high-quality assets positioned to serve long-term global energy transportation demand.
As one of the most important asset classes in global crude oil transportation, VLCCs require the highest standards of operational reliability, fuel efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. The vessels will feature optimized hull forms, advanced propulsion integration, and energy-saving technologies designed to enhance efficiency while meeting current and anticipated IMO environmental standards.
Wison New Energies has developed extensive experience through the delivery of highly complex offshore facilities, including Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (“FLNG”) units and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (“FPSO”) projects. The VLCC program reflects the company’s ability to leverage its engineering expertise, industrial capabilities, and project execution experience in the commercial shipbuilding sector.
UOG, a privately owned international maritime and investment group, continues to pursue a disciplined long-term strategy focused on high-quality fleet investments and strategic industry partnerships. The Group’s Principals bring extensive experience across shipping investment, commercial operations, and vessel asset management.
Ms. Cheng Yuanyun, CEO of Wison New Energies, commented:”We are honored to work with UOG and grateful for their recognition of, and trust in, Wison’s capabilities and delivery quality. Drawing on our experience in complex offshore projects, Wison will work to ensure the high-quality delivery of this project.”
Mr. Georgiopoulos, Chairman of UOG, commented:”We are pleased to establish this partnership with Wison New Energies on what we believe is an important strategic project for both organizations. The VLCC market remains a critical component of global energy transportation, and we look forward to working closely together to deliver high-quality, efficient, and modern vessels.”
Mr. Vrondissis, Executive Director of UOG, added:”This transaction reflects UOG’s continued focus on disciplined growth through selective investments in modern tonnage and strong industrial partnerships. Wison’s engineering depth, technical expertise, and execution capabilities made them a compelling partner for this program.”
Both companies look forward to working together to successfully deliver the vessels and establish a long-term partnership built on operational excellence, technical innovation, and shared strategic vision.