Dynacom Expands VLCC Fleet with Four New Hengli Newbuilds as Tanker Ordering Continues

## Dynacom Doubles Down on VLCCs at Hengli Heavy Industry Greek tanker major Dynacom has placed an order for four additional Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) at China's Hengli Heavy Industry, according to Seatrade Maritime, in a move that underscores sustained owner appetite for large crude-carrying tonnage despite ongoing freight market volatility. The latest order represents a return engagement for Dynacom at the Chinese yard, suggesting a strengthening commercial relationship between the Athens-based shipowner and Hengli. VLCCs, capable of carrying approximately two million barrels of crude oil, remain a cornerstone of global energy logistics, and newbuild orders at this scale reflect long-term strategic positioning rather than short-term market speculation. In a parallel development reported by Seatrade Maritime, owner Pemont has ordered a pair of LR2 product tankers — a vessel class that has attracted significant interest in recent years as refined product trade flows have been reshaped by geopolitical shifts, including the rerouting of European energy imports following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. ### Context: Tanker Newbuild Market Remains Active The dual ordering activity highlights a broader trend of sustained investment in tanker newbuilds, particularly at competitive Chinese yards. Hengli Heavy Industry has emerged as a notable player in the large tanker segment, attracting repeat business from established Greek owners who have historically favoured South Korean shipbuilders. For Dynacom, one of Greece's largest tanker operators by fleet size, the additional VLCC quartet will further consolidate its position in the crude tanker market. The timing of such orders typically reflects owners locking in yard slots and steel prices ahead of anticipated demand cycles, with delivery windows often stretching two to three years from contract signing. The LR2 orders from Pemont similarly reflect confidence in the clean and dirty product tanker trades, where tonne-mile demand has been elevated by structural changes in global refining and distribution patterns. ### Industry Significance These transactions are a reminder that despite macroeconomic headwinds and uncertainty around energy transition timelines, shipowners continue to commit capital to conventional tanker assets. Analysts have noted that the relatively limited orderbook-to-fleet ratio in the VLCC segment — compared to historical peaks — provides some support for long-term rate expectations. Further details on contract values and scheduled delivery dates were not disclosed at the time of reporting.