CIMC Raffles has secured a landmark breakthrough in the tanker construction market after winning its first order for very large crude carriers from Oslo-listed Bruton Ltd.
The contract covers four 319,000 dwt VLCC newbuilds and marks the first time the Chinese yard has entered the VLCC segment, significantly broadening its presence in high-end commercial shipbuilding.
The vessels will be built based on the MARIC 319,000 dwt VLCC design. Each ship will measure around 330 metres in overall length, with a moulded breadth of 60 metres and a structural draft of 22.5 metres. According to the yard, the design has been developed to comply with international environmental regulations while maintaining a strong balance between operating economy and energy efficiency.
For CIMC Raffles, the order represents more than a single commercial success. It signals a strategic diversification into one of the most important segments of the tanker market at a time when ordering activity is beginning to accelerate again.
Bruton, which is listed in Oslo, is a shipping investment company that already has eight VLCCs on order at NTS Shipyard in China. The addition of four vessels at CIMC Raffles underlines the company’s continued confidence in the long-term outlook for large crude carriers.
A senior representative of CIMC Raffles said the global VLCC market is entering a new order cycle and described the agreement with Bruton as a timely move that allows both companies to position themselves for the next phase of growth.
The yard also indicated that it expects the partnership to deepen over time, not only through future fleet expansion but potentially through broader shipbuilding cooperation, allowing both parties to capture further opportunities in the global shipping market.
