The Singapore-listed investment and financing company Yangzijiang Maritime has signed contracts for ten additional newbuildings.
The ships are to be built at independent Chinese shipyards and delivered between 2027 and 2029. The package comprises four product and crude oil tankers of around 114,000 tdw each, scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029. In addition, there are four product/chemical tankers of around 49,800 tdw each, which are scheduled to enter service in 2027 and 2028, as well as two bulk carriers of around 40,000 tdw each, which are scheduled for delivery in 2028.
Hybrid financing planned
The newbuilds are to be financed through a combination of equity co-investments and debt capital. Once the orders have been completed, Yangzijiang Maritime ‘s fleet is set to grow to 105 vessels. According to the information provided, this includes 53 newbuildings that are currently under construction.
The ships are to be built in accordance with IACS class standards and with technical and environmental features. For the 49,800 tdw units, the company cites EEDI Phase 3 compliance and methanol fuel readiness, among other things.
Ren Yuanlin, Executive Chairman and CEO of Yangzijiang Maritime, explained that the additional newbuildings underline the company’s disciplined approach to fleet investment. The company relies on proven, environmentally compliant designs from established shipyards at competitive contract prices. I
n the context of the capital-cycling model, Yangzijiang Maritime is examining leasing, charter and selective pre-delivery resale options.
Further VLCC order not until April
Yangzijiang Maritime also announced investments in eight newbuild VLCCs of 319,000 tdw each as recently as mid-April. These are also to be built at Chinese shipyards and delivered between 2028 and 2030. According to the company, it has also signed a sales agreement for four new MR product tankers, each with a capacity of 49,800 tdw, which are expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028.
