Nanjing Tanker triples LR2 fleet with Dalian quartet order
China’s Nanjing Tanker selects Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation for four 115,000 dwt LR2 tankers.
Nanjing Tanker has selected Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (DSIC) to build four additional LR2 product and crude tankers, expanding its newbuilding programme at the Chinese yard to six vessels. The decision follows a tender launched last month, with the winning bidder announced on 16 October under project reference G1100000175289019001.
However, neither the contract price nor the delivery schedule for the quartet has been disclosed, and a formal shipbuilding contract is yet to be signed.
The strategic expansion of Nanjing Tanker’s LR2 fleet: lr2 tankers
The latest award marks a significant step in Nanjing Tanker’s fleet renewal strategy, particularly in the larger product tanker segment. The company already has two 115,000 dwt LR2s on order at DSIC, with deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2028. These vessels were approved in 2025 under an investment ceiling of CNY 1.09bn ($162.2m), including tax, and are specified as methanol dual-fuel-ready, aligning with the industry’s push towards alternative fuels.
Brent Crude
With the addition of the four new tankers, Nanjing Tanker’s LR2 programme at DSIC will total six vessels, tripling its exposure to the segment.
Broader fleet renewal and market positioning
The latest order is part of a broader fleet renewal drive by Nanjing Tanker, which has seen the company place a series of newbuilding orders at domestic yards. In addition to the LR2 programme, Nanjing Tanker has two 65,000 dwt panamax crude/product tankers booked at Dalian, further diversifying its fleet. In July, the company also contracted four 50,000 dwt MR product/chemical carriers at Guangzhou Shipyard International for up to $182.8m, reinforcing its position in the smaller product tanker segment.
As of the end of June, Nanjing Tanker controlled a fleet of 73 vessels totalling approximately 2.81m dwt, with its product tanker fleet predominantly consisting of MR tonnage. The company’s operational fleet, however, stands at 74 vessels with a total deadweight tonnage of 2.81m dwt, capable of transporting over 44m tonnes of cargo annually across crude oil, refined products, chemicals, and gases.
The tender process for the four new LR2 tankers was launched on 19 September, with bids due by 09:00 on 10 October. The result was published on 16 October, marking the formal selection of DSIC as the winning bidder. While the tender outcome has been confirmed, the lack of disclosed pricing and delivery dates suggests that final contractual negotiations are still underway, a common practice in large-scale shipbuilding projects where terms are often finalised in subsequent discussions.
For industry observers, Nanjing Tanker’s latest move signals confidence in the long-term demand for larger product tankers, particularly those compliant with evolving environmental regulations. The shift towards methanol dual-fuel readiness and adherence to IMO Tier III standards also reflects broader industry trends, where operators are increasingly prioritising vessels that can adapt to future fuel requirements and emissions targets.
As the global shipping industry continues to grapple with decarbonisation challenges, investments in modern, efficient tonnage are likely to remain a key focus for operators seeking to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
The next steps for Nanjing Tanker will likely involve the formal signing of the shipbuilding contract for the four LR2 tankers, followed by the commencement of construction at DSIC’s facilities in Dalian. While the delivery timeline remains undisclosed, the existing LR2s on order are set for completion in 2028, suggesting that the new quartet could follow a similar schedule. Industry stakeholders will be watching closely as Nanjing Tanker continues to expand its fleet, particularly in segments where demand for modern, compliant tonnage is expected to grow in the coming years.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
