On July 16, Xinde Marine News reported that Hengli Heavy Industry had secured a landmark set of contracts for 10 large vessels, covering bulkers, tankers, and ultra-large container ships. At the time, the buyer of the 2+2 LNG dual-fuelled suezmax tankers remained undisclosed.

Now, it’s official.

In a July 18 filing, ST Songfa (Hengli’s parent company) confirmed that the initial two suezmax tankers are ordered by Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), with options for two more. These 157,000 DWT vessels are scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2028 and will be constructed to Hengli’s in-house design standards.

According to industry sources, EPS is paying close to $90 million per vessel—bringing the total potential contract value to nearly $360 million.

This order ends an 18-month Suezmax order drought for Idan Ofer’s EPS and marks the first time the company is working with Hengli. It also reflects EPS’s confidence in Hengli’s upgraded facilities, following its transformation from the former STX Dalian yard to one of China’s most capable shipbuilders.

With VLCC rates stabilizing and a rebound in crude trade volumes anticipated, EPS’s move could signal renewed interest in mid-size tankers.

This deal also highlights Hengli’s expanding international footprint and competitive edge in high-value, green shipping construction—solidifying its position as a rising force among China’s top-tier shipyards.

by Xinde Marine News Chen Yang

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