Chinese chemical tanker operator Dingheng Group has secured a million-tonne annual transportation agreement with PETRONAS Chemicals Marketing (Labuan) Ltd. (PCML), a subsidiary of PETRONAS Chemicals Group, marking a significant milestone in the company’s international expansion and its growing role in the global chemicals shipping market.

The agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur on 7 July 2026, with the contract covering transportation volumes at the million-tonne-per-year level.

The signing represents the further deepening of cooperation between Dingheng Group and PCML, transforming a relationship built through years of operational collaboration into a long-term strategic partnership.

The agreement was signed by Tang Hongkun, Vice President of Shanghai Dingheng Shipping Technology Co., Ltd., and Li Tao, General Manager of the company’s Business Department, together with representatives from PCML, including Norhafnizam Ahmad Ghazali, Head of Methanol, Aromatics and MTBE Business, and M Nizam M Yusof, General Manager of Supply Chain & Marketing.

Representatives from both companies, including Wu Yongfei, General Manager of Dingheng Ship Management, attended the signing ceremony.

From operational cooperation to strategic partnership

Dingheng Group said the partnership with PCML has developed gradually over several years, beginning with individual cargo transportation assignments and evolving into a stable and large-scale cooperation model.

The company attributed the expansion to consistent operational performance, a strong safety management system and reliable contract execution.

In November 2025, Bahrin Asmawi, CEO of PCML, led a delegation to visit Dingheng Group. The two sides held discussions on further cooperation and strengthened mutual understanding based on shared values of professionalism, integrity and operational excellence.

The latest agreement reflects the growing confidence of global chemical industry players in Dingheng’s ability to provide stable and customized transportation solutions.

Fleet expansion supports global ambitions

Dingheng Group has accelerated fleet development in recent years under its “100-Vessel Plan”, with its controlled fleet now exceeding 60 vessels.

The company has continued to optimize its fleet structure while developing an integrated global shipping service network covering vessel operations, logistics coordination and digital fleet management.

Dingheng said the combination of fleet capability and intelligent supply chain development has provided the foundation for deeper cooperation with international customers.

The company has also been expanding its presence in chemical tanker transportation, a sector requiring specialized vessels, strict safety standards and long-term customer relationships.

A growing role in global chemical logistics

PETRONAS is one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated energy companies, with businesses spanning exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals and energy solutions across more than 50 countries.

Its chemicals arm, PETRONAS Chemicals Group, is one of Asia’s leading integrated chemicals producers, supplying products including olefins, polymers, specialty chemicals and derivatives to global markets.

For Dingheng, the agreement represents another step in connecting China’s growing chemical shipping capabilities with international supply chains.

As global chemical trade continues to expand and customers increasingly focus on transportation reliability, safety performance and supply chain resilience, specialized chemical tanker operators with modern fleets and international operating experience are gaining greater importance.

Looking ahead, Dingheng Group and PCML said they will continue exploring deeper cooperation in chemical transportation and global supply chain coordination, supporting regional trade connectivity and the long-term development of the international chemical shipping industry.