Tanker and Gas Carrier Orders Flow as Owners Commit to Newbuilding Programs

## Newbuilding Roundup: Chemical Tankers, MR Tankers, and VLGCs Drive Orderbook Activity Shipowners across multiple segments are doubling down on fleet expansion, with a cluster of significant newbuilding contracts announced this week spanning chemical tankers, medium-range product tankers, and very large gas carriers. ### Heung-A Commits to Stainless Steel Chemical Tankers in China South Korea's Heung-A Shipping has re-entered the newbuilding market with an order for up to six stainless steel chemical tankers placed at China's Wuchang Shipbuilding, according to Splash247. The deal covers three firm vessels of 26,000 dwt each, with options for three additional units, bringing the potential total contract value to approximately $280 million. The order underscores continued confidence in the chemical tanker segment, where stainless steel vessels command premium freight rates due to their ability to carry high-value specialty cargoes. ### Pleiades Returns to GSI for MR Tanker Pair Greek tanker owner Pleiades Shipping has placed an order for two MR tankers at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), Splash247 reports. The Kifisia-based owner has signed for a pair of 50,000 dwt vessels, with deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028. Financial terms were not disclosed. The order reflects sustained Greek owner appetite for medium-range tonnage, a segment that has benefited from shifting global oil trade patterns and strong period charter demand in recent years. ### BGN Expands LPG Fleet with Dual-Fuel VLGCs from HD Hyundai Energy trader BGN has returned to South Korea to place a further VLGC order, contracting HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for two dual-fuel very large gas carriers of 93,000 cubic metres each, according to Splash247. The latest commitment will bring BGN's owned LPG fleet to 19 vessels upon delivery. The dual-fuel specification positions the vessels to meet tightening emissions regulations, while the choice of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries reflects the Korean yard's strong reputation in gas carrier construction. ### Market Context The flurry of orders reflects a broader trend of owners locking in yard slots amid sustained freight market strength and growing concern over future fleet availability. Shipyard capacity at leading Chinese and Korean facilities is increasingly constrained through 2027 and beyond, incentivising owners to commit capital now to secure competitive delivery windows. The diversity of segments represented — chemical tankers, product tankers, and gas carriers — suggests that newbuilding confidence is not confined to a single market cycle but reflects structural demand shifts across the liquid bulk sector.