Hong Kong shipowner Wah Kwong Maritime Transport has moved forward with another major fleet investment after placing an order for two 114,000 dwt LR2 tankers at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC), a shipyard affiliated with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
The deal, which also includes options for two additional vessels, was officially signed on May 28 in Beijing with China Shipbuilding Trading Co (CSTC), the trading arm of CSSC, alongside DSIC.
Senior representatives from both sides attended the signing ceremony, including Wah Kwong chairman Hing Chao and managing director Capt Zhou Jianfeng, as well as DSIC chairman Han Dongwang and CSTC general manager Han Jianbing.
The newbuild tankers are being designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency and long-term decarbonisation readiness as shipowners continue preparing for tighter environmental regulations across the maritime industry.
According to the agreement, the vessels will comply with IMO Tier III emissions standards and EEDI Phase 3 efficiency requirements. They will also be delivered with LNG-ready, methanol-ready and carbon capture and storage (CCUS)-ready notations, giving the company additional flexibility as alternative marine fuels and carbon-reduction technologies continue to evolve.
Financial details of the contracts have not been disclosed.
The latest order highlights the growing industry trend toward future-fuel capable vessels, as tanker owners increasingly seek to balance operational competitiveness with upcoming regulatory demands linked to emissions reduction and sustainability targets.
“As a global integrated shipping company, Wah Kwong will continue to deepen close collaboration with our core partners across the value chain, working together to build a more efficient, sustainable and resilient maritime industry,” said Zhou Jianfeng following the signing.
The investment also reinforces China’s position as a leading hub for advanced tanker construction, with DSIC continuing to attract orders for next-generation vessels equipped with low-emission and alternative-fuel capabilities.
