Yangzijiang Maritime Orders 24 New Vessels, Expands Fleet with 16 Options

Yangzijiang Maritime has signed contracts for the construction of 24 new vessels of various types with delivery planned between 2028 and 2030, alongside options for 16 additional vessels, marking a significant expansion of its fleet built by Chinese shipbuilders.

New Vessels Include Diverse Ship Types and Sizes

The 24 vessels under contract comprise a range of ship types, reflecting a strategic approach to meet different market segments. They include 64,500 DWT bulk carriers due in 2029 and 2030, 49,800 DWT refined oil and chemical tankers with delivery from 2028 to 2030, and two groups of stainless-steel chemical tankers: four 28,000 DWT and four 29,000 DWT, both scheduled for 2028-2029. In addition, four 319,000 DWT very large crude carriers (VLCCs) will be delivered between 2029 and 2030.

Compliance with Environmental and Technical Standards

Yangzijiang Maritime confirmed that the vessels will be built to comply with International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) requirements and will incorporate advanced energy-saving navigation technologies. The designs adhere to environmental standards that support the shipping industry’s move towards greater sustainability and reduced emissions.

Fleet Expansion Backed by Strategic Financing

The company will fund these projects through a combination of joint equity investments and debt financing. Alongside the 24 confirmed vessels, Yangzijiang Maritime has secured options for 16 further vessels to allow for fleet growth aligned with market conditions, enabling a measured expansion that manages capital outlay.

Current Order Book Reflects Significant Expansion

Including this order, Yangzijiang Maritime’s total order backlog stands at 98 vessels. This comprises seven vessels already delivered (including one delivered under a ship sale contract), 75 currently under construction (12 of which have been resold), and the 16 option vessels. The scale of this backlog positions the company for sustained growth over the coming years.

Operational and Market Strategies Support Growth

Yangzijiang Maritime’s Executive Chairman and CEO Ren Yuanlin noted that the new contracts reflect the company’s commitment to capturing market opportunities through mature, environmentally compliant ship designs. The fleet expansion aims to optimise structure and profitability while responding to tightening environmental regulations and trends towards low-carbon shipping. Ren also highlighted the company’s strategy to monetise assets actively, through vessel leasing, resale, and charter agreements, enhancing financial returns.

Active Monetisation and Chartering

Since November 2025, Yangzijiang Maritime has sold 12 newly built vessels for approximately US$500 million, including eight chemically refined tankers and four bulk carriers. The first tanker in this group was delivered in July 2026 to Scorpio Tankers, with the remainder due by 2028. Additionally, in the first half of 2026, the company entered into charter agreements for 13 vessels, with terms ranging from one to eight years.

Implications for Asia-Pacific Maritime Operations

The planned delivery of new vessels built in domestic shipyards supports China’s shipbuilding industry and aligns with regional efforts to modernise fleets for improved efficiency and environmental compliance. These developments can enhance supply chain reliability in bulk and chemical cargoes, and improve operational flexibility through the company’s asset monetisation approach. Chartering and resale activities may also influence vessel availability and market dynamics across Asia-Pacific shipping lanes.

Future Considerations for Fleet Development

Yangzijiang Maritime’s ongoing acquisition of options for additional vessels points to continued fleet expansion contingent on market conditions. The company’s focus on environmentally compliant designs and flexible capital management will be key factors to monitor as the shipping industry adapts to regulatory changes and evolving demand patterns.