Schoeller Holdings Doubles MR Tanker Order at Chengxi with $180m Quartet

## Schoeller Holdings Doubles Down on MR Tanker Expansion with $180m Chengxi Order Schoeller Holdings has returned to China's Chengxi Shipyard with a significant follow-on newbuilding order, commissioning a further four medium range (MR) product tankers in a deal valued at approximately $180 million, according to Splash247. The latest quartet, each of 50,000 dwt, is understood to be priced at around $45 million per vessel, bringing the combined contract value to $180 million. The order effectively doubles Schoeller's existing series at the CSSC-affiliated yard, with the German shipowner returning just months after completing deliveries of its first batch of MR tankers from the same facility. ### Strategic Commitment to the MR Segment The decision to repeat at Chengxi signals a strong vote of confidence in both the shipyard's capabilities and the broader MR product tanker market. Repeat orders at the same yard are widely regarded in the industry as an endorsement of build quality, on-time delivery performance, and commercial terms. MR product tankers — typically ranging from 45,000 to 55,000 dwt — remain a cornerstone of refined petroleum product distribution globally, serving key trade lanes between refining hubs and consumption markets across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Sustained demand for clean petroleum product shipping, combined with a relatively disciplined orderbook in recent years, has supported healthy freight rates and asset values in the segment. ### Chengxi Shipyard and CSSC's Growing Tanker Portfolio Chengxi Shipyard, part of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) group, has established a solid reputation in the product tanker sector. The yard's ability to attract repeat business from established European shipowners such as Schoeller underscores China's continued competitiveness in mid-size tanker construction, even as shipyard slots tighten across major Asian building nations. Newbuilding prices for MR tankers have firmed considerably over the past two years, reflecting strong owner interest, elevated steel costs, and constrained yard capacity. At $45 million per unit, the Schoeller order aligns with current market benchmarks for this vessel class. ### Schoeller's Fleet Growth Strategy Schoeller Holdings, the Cyprus-based shipping and ship management group, has been an active participant in the newbuilding market as part of a broader fleet renewal and expansion strategy. The doubling of its Chengxi MR series reinforces the company's long-term commitment to the product tanker sector and its appetite for growth through direct vessel ownership. Delivery schedules for the new quartet have not been publicly confirmed, though industry sources suggest slots at Chengxi are likely to place the vessels into service within the next two to three years.