Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 29, China’s Nanjing Tanker, a Shanghai-listed company under China Merchants Group, has expanded its shipbuilding program by ordering two 65,000 dwt LR1 panamax crude/product carriers from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. The contract, valued at approximately $137 million, schedules delivery for the second half of 2028.

The order complements an earlier agreement with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng for a 9,500 cubic meter ethylene carrier, priced at about $51 million, set for delivery in the first half of 2028. These contracts reflect Nanjing Tanker’s commitment to modernizing its fleet, which currently includes over 70 vessels.

Over the past year, Nanjing Tanker has placed orders for various tanker types, including MR, LR1, and LR2 vessels, all constructed at domestic shipyards. The latest LR1 order increases its total in this category to six, with four additional units under construction at Guangzhou Shipyard International. “The fresh contracts are aimed at optimizing the crude oil fleet capacity structure, improving fleet operation capabilities, and enhancing the company’s crude oil transportation market,” the company stated.

The new LR1 carriers are designed to strengthen Nanjing Tanker’s ability to transport crude oil and refined products efficiently, supporting the company’s role in the global energy supply chain. The ethylene carrier will further diversify its capabilities, enabling the transport of specialized chemical products.

By investing in advanced vessels built locally, Nanjing Tanker is enhancing its operational efficiency and market competitiveness. The focus on domestic shipyards underscores China’s growing expertise in shipbuilding and supports the nation’s maritime industry. These efforts are expected to improve service reliability and capacity, meeting the rising demand for energy transportation.