By A. Dimitriou
Quick Summary
- Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has placed a 12-vessel order with China’s Hengli Heavy Industries.
- The deal includes 6 VLCCs, 2 LNG dual-fuel Suezmax tankers, and 4 container ships (6,000 TEU).
- Contract value estimated at US$1.1–1.6 billion, with deliveries scheduled from late 2027 through 2028.
- This order strengthens Hengli’s position as a leading high-end shipbuilder and expands EPS’s ambitious fleet renewal programme.
The Details of the Deal
On 27 November 2025, Hengli Heavy Industries signed a landmark contract with EPS for 12 newbuild vessels. The order comprises:
- 6 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) – approx. 306,000 dwt each
- 2 LNG dual-fuel Suezmax tankers – approx. 157,000 dwt
- 4 container ships – 6,000 TEU capacity
The estimated contract value ranges between US$1.1 billion and US$1.6 billion, making it one of the most significant newbuilding deals of the year.
Why This Matters
EPS’s decision to return to the VLCC segment after years of focusing on smaller tankers signals a strategic shift. The vessels will feature scrubber technology and LNG dual-fuel capability, aligning with global decarbonisation goals and IMO emissions standards.
For Hengli, this deal reinforces its reputation as a preferred Chinese shipyard for high-spec vessels, with its orderbook now approaching 100 ships and yard slots fully booked through 2029.
Industry Impact
- EPS: Strengthens its position among the world’s top shipowners, with one of the largest newbuilding programmes globally.
- Hengli: Gains a competitive edge in high-end shipbuilding, leveraging advanced technology and early delivery slots.
- Global Shipping: Reflects growing demand for energy-efficient, dual-fuel vessels amid tightening IMO regulations.
Delivery Timeline
The newbuilds will be delivered sequentially from H2 2027 through 2028, ensuring EPS meets future fleet requirements while complying with stricter environmental standards.
Eastern Pacific Shipping
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Singapore, Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) is one of the world’s leading ship management companies, operating a versatile fleet of over 300 vessels across containership, dry bulk, gas, and tanker segments. With more than 7,000 employees at sea and ashore, EPS is committed to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation. The company has invested heavily in green technologies, including LNG, LPG, ethane, and ammonia-fuelled vessels, achieving significant emission reductions ahead of IMO targets. EPS also champions crew welfare through its Life-at-Sea programme, offering modern living standards onboard, and drives innovation with advanced performance monitoring systems and alternative propulsion solutions. Guided by its mission to combine operational excellence with sustainability, EPS continues to shape the future of global shipping.
Hengli Shipyard
Hengli Heavy Industries, one of China’s fastest-growing shipbuilders, has secured a significant milestone with EPS’s 12-vessel order, cementing its reputation for high-end shipbuilding capabilities. Known for delivering complex, eco-friendly vessels, Hengli’s orderbook now approaches 100 ships, with yard slots fully booked through 2029. The shipyard’s ability to produce VLCCs and LNG dual-fuel tankers positions it as a key player in the global transition to sustainable shipping. This deal not only strengthens Hengli’s market presence but also highlights its role in driving innovation and meeting international standards for energy efficiency and emissions compliance.
