Yangzijiang Maritime has stepped up its tanker expansion strategy with an order for eight VLCC newbuildings, while also monetising part of its medium-range fleet.
The company said it will invest in eight 319,000 dwt VLCCs to be built at a major Chinese shipyard, with deliveries scheduled across 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Each of the vessels will be constructed to the latest energy-efficiency standards, according to the group. That includes fuel-optimised hull forms, electronically controlled main engines and other energy-saving technologies designed to ensure their Energy Efficiency Design Index performance meets or exceeds Phase 3 requirements under IMO rules.
The VLCCs will also be fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems, allowing them to comply with the IMO’s 0.5% global sulphur cap while retaining the flexibility to use high-sulphur fuel oil when market conditions make that economically attractive.
Alongside the order, Yangzijiang Maritime also confirmed the sale of four new 49,800 dwt medium-range tankers.
The company said that with a fleet of more than 90 vessels and a newbuilding pipeline that could reach 50 ships, it is well positioned to capture further value opportunities across the maritime cycle.
Chief executive Ren Yuanlin said the transaction reflects a disciplined approach to asset monetisation, allowing the company to realise capital gains at opportune moments while improving the overall return profile of its portfolio.
He added that these deals are not one-off moves, but part of a repeatable strategy that strengthens both value creation and earnings visibility for FY2026 and FY2027.
According to Yangzijiang Maritime, attractive opportunities continue to emerge across the maritime value chain, supported by favourable industry conditions and longer-term structural tailwinds.
