Hengli Heavy Industry has secured contracts for 11 Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs) in the space of just one week, marking a substantial order intake for the Chinese shipbuilder and reinforcing its presence in the rapidly developing gas carrier segment. The batch ranks among the largest groups of ammonia carrier orders announced across the global shipbuilding industry.
The vessels will cover three capacity classes: 88,000, 90,000 and 93,000 cubic metres. Although Hengli has not disclosed the identities of every shipowner involved in the overall package, the contracts include several established international shipping and energy companies.
Norwegian shipping investor John Fredriksen’s SFL Corporation has contracted Hengli to build two VLACs, each with a capacity of 93,000 cubic metres. Delivery of the vessels is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.
UK-based Union Maritime has also placed an order for two newbuildings, opting for the 88,000-cubic-metre variant. The ships are expected to enter service in 2029.
Another significant contract comes from ADNOC L&S, the shipping and logistics arm of Middle Eastern energy group ADNOC. The company has ordered three vessels with a stated capacity of 93,000 cubic metres, with deliveries anticipated in the second half of 2029. The source identifies these ships as very large gas carriers (VLGCs), although they are listed within the broader ammonia carrier order announcement.
Greek shipowner Dynacom accounts for the remaining four vessels, ordering VLACs with a capacity of 90,000 cubic metres. Deliveries are planned across 2028 and 2029.
The Dynacom agreement further deepens an established relationship between the two companies. Described as a long-standing core partner of Hengli Heavy Industry, the Greek shipowner had already ordered eight VLACs from the yard before the latest contract. With the addition of four more vessels, the total number of units ordered through their cooperation rises to 12.
The combined orders underline Hengli Heavy Industry’s growing role in the large ammonia carrier market, as established shipowners and energy-sector companies expand their commitments to specialised gas transport tonnage.
