Chinese yard Hengli Heavy Industry recorded an unprecedented one order every three days throughout 2025, driven largely by VLCC demand from blue-chip owners. For logistics operators, this signals a significant future tanker tonnage supply build-up, likely exerting downward pressure on VLCC freight rates upon vessel delivery in 2027-2028. Crude oil shippers should track newbuilding delivery schedules as a leading indicator for rate negotiations.
Rate Direction
Rates down
Time Horizon
months
Confidence
55%
Routes Affected
Strait of Hormuz / Persian Gulf / Indian Ocean / Suez Canal / Cape of Good Hope
Ports / Terminals
Fujairah / Jebel Ali / Bandar Abbas
Source
https://splash247.com/vlcc-boom-propels-hengli-to-top-spot-among-chinese-yards-by-order-volume/published 04 Mar 2026, 06:54 UTC