Guohang Ocean Shipping has unveiled a newbuilding investment plan worth RMB 2.49 billion, covering six vessels and marking its formal entry into tanker shipping. Under the plan, the company will build three 62,000-dwt multipurpose heavy-lift vessels and three 115,000-dwt LR2 tankers, extending its business into liquid energy transportation and project cargo alongside its core dry bulk operations. The LR2 tankers represent Guohang's first move into tanker shipping, while the heavy-lift vessels are intended to strengthen its position in wind-energy equipment, offshore structures and advanced manufacturing exports. Of the total RMB 2.49 billion investment, only RMB 680 million will be raised through a proposed private placement, with the remaining approximately RMB 1.81 billion to be financed through internal resources, bank lending, financial leasing or other channels. The announcement follows a framework agreement signed ten days earlier between Guohang and COSCO SHIPPING Energy, covering tanker investment, newbuilding projects and joint operation of new tankers. No specific operating structure has been disclosed, and there is no indication the LR2s will join China Pool, which currently focuses on VLCCs. Cooperation with COSCO SHIPPING Energy could nonetheless provide Guohang with access to commercial networks, customer approvals, safety systems and specialist expertise needed for tanker operations. With the new plan, Guohang's fleet strategy now spans Panamax, Ultramax, Capesize, multipurpose/heavy-lift and LR2 tanker segments. Dry bulk remains the company's core business, but it is increasingly building three distinct pillars: bulk commodities, project cargo and liquid energy transportation.
