EGPN Bulk Carrier Expands Tanker Portfolio with MR Product Carrier Orders at Chengxi

## EGPN Deepens Tanker Commitment with Chengxi MR Orders Chinese shipowner EGPN Bulk Carrier is pressing further into the product tanker market after securing an order for two medium range (MR) product carriers at Chengxi Shipyard, according to Splash247. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2029, slotting into what is becoming a notable tanker orderbook for a company historically associated with bulk carrier operations. The move underscores a broader strategic realignment at EGPN as it diversifies its fleet away from dry bulk and into the liquid cargo segment. ### A Significant Shift in Fleet Strategy The order at Chengxi — a well-regarded Chinese yard with established credentials in tanker construction — reflects growing owner confidence in the medium-to-long-term outlook for MR product tankers. The MR segment, typically defined as vessels in the 25,000–55,000 DWT range, has remained an attractive asset class amid sustained demand for refined petroleum product transportation, particularly on intra-regional trade routes. For EGPN, the placement represents more than a simple fleet expansion. Industry sources cited by Splash247 describe the orders as part of a deliberate and growing commitment to the tanker sector, marking a meaningful departure from the company's bulk carrier roots. ### Market Context The newbuilding order comes at a time when shipyard capacity at leading Chinese yards is tightening, with delivery slots extending well into the latter half of the decade. A 2029 delivery window reflects both the current state of yard availability and EGPN's long-term planning horizon. Product tanker demand has been supported in recent years by shifting refinery capacity — with new export-oriented refineries in the Middle East and Asia generating additional tonne-mile demand — as well as ongoing trade route disruptions that have lengthened voyage distances for refined products. The MR tanker orderbook has grown across the industry as owners position themselves to benefit from these structural trends, and EGPN's latest move places it firmly among those betting on continued strength in the segment. ### Chengxi Shipyard Chengxi Shipyard, part of the CSSC group, has a strong track record in tanker construction and is a recognised builder for both domestic and international owners. Its selection by EGPN for this order reinforces its position as a preferred yard for product tanker newbuildings in the current cycle. Further details on vessel specifications and commercial arrangements have not been disclosed.