Hengli Heavy Industry Secures Record VLCC Order, Signaling Shift in Shipbuilding Landscape

This marks a remarkable comeback for the Chinese private shipyard, which has traditionally focused on standard vessel segments. The deal not only demonstrates Hengli's capacity to handle large-scale, technologically advanced projects but also signals the confidence major shipowners still place in oil transport despite the ongoing energy transition. The order is expected to boost Hengli's position in the global shipbuilding market and intensifies competition with both Chinese state-owned and Korean shipyards.