Transpetrol bets big on eco tankers: two 75,000 dwt ships to reshape fleet
Belgian owner Transpetrol has ordered two 75,000 dwt product tankers at China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding.
Belgian shipping company Transpetrol has expanded its fleet into the LR1 tanker segment with an order for two 75,000-deadweight-ton product carriers at China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. The vessels, described as “super eco” designs, are scheduled for delivery in early and mid-2030, though the company has not disclosed financial terms or propulsion details.
The new tankers will introduce a larger size class to Transpetrol’s existing fleet. The company currently operates six smaller product tankers of approximately 50,000 dwt, including the 2011-built Turmoil and Luctor, along with four MR-class vessels delivered between 2019 and 2021. Its fleet also includes four LR2 tankers and two aframaxes, making this order a strategic addition to its mid-range capacity.
Fleet modernization accelerates in 2024: Transpetrol
The LR1 order follows other recent investments as Transpetrol pursues fleet renewal. In March, the company ordered two 90,000-cubic-meter very large gas carriers (VLGCs) from South Korea’s HD Hyundai Samho, with deliveries planned for late 2028. These dual-fuel vessels will be capable of transporting both LPG and ammonia, reflecting industry trends toward more versatile tonnage. The contract was reportedly valued at KRW340.2 billion, or approximately $231 million.
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding
Transpetrol has also taken delivery of three LR2 tankers this year—TP Promise, TP Progress, and TP Prospect—from Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding. These join the secondhand TP Intrepid, further strengthening the company’s position in the product tanker market. With four newbuildings ordered in 2024 alone, Transpetrol is actively expanding its fleet amid a broader industry shift toward modernization.
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, the yard behind Transpetrol’s latest order, has become a key player in the LR1 sector. Last month, Greek owner Evalend placed an order for four similar 74,000-dwt vessels at the Chinese yard, with deliveries scheduled for 2028 and 2029. Brokers have estimated the price at around $55 million per ship, signaling strong demand for mid-sized product tankers.
Industry trends drive fleet renewal
The push for new tonnage aligns with broader trends in global shipping. Nearly half of the existing tanker fleet is expected to reach 20 years of age by the time many newbuildings enter service, increasing pressure to replace older vessels. Stricter environmental regulations, such as Carbon Intensity Indicator requirements, are also making older ships less economical, encouraging operators to invest in more efficient designs.
For companies like Transpetrol, fleet renewal is not just about compliance but also about maintaining competitiveness. As older vessels face higher operating costs and potential retirement, newer, more efficient ships can help secure long-term market positions. The company’s recent orders suggest a deliberate strategy to balance expansion with sustainability in a rapidly evolving sector.
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.
