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Capital Lines Up VLCC and Capesize Newbuildings at Hengli Shipyard
Greek shipowner Evangelos Marinakis is accelerating his fleet expansion strategy, with Capital Maritime securing a combined tanker and bulker newbuilding deal at China’s Hengli Heavy Industry shipyard.
The Athens-based group has signed contracts for two very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and four capesize bulk carriers. While pricing and delivery schedules have not been disclosed, the total value of the order is estimated at around $540 million, according to market sources.
Strengthening a Diversified Newbuilding Pipeline
The latest order adds to Capital Maritime’s already substantial newbuilding portfolio, which spans tankers, gas carriers and containerships. The move highlights the group’s continued appetite for large, modern tonnage across multiple shipping segments, positioning it for long-term demand growth in both energy and dry bulk trades.
Hengli Confirms Contracts as Part of 2025 Push
Hengli Heavy Industry confirmed that it has secured contracts for seven newbuildings as part of its 2025 contracting programme. These include the two VLCCs and four capesize bulkers for Capital Maritime, as well as a suezmax tanker ordered by a Norwegian shipowner.
Earlier this year, the yard reached a major milestone by simultaneously launching four 306,000 dwt VLCCs . According to Hengli, this marked the first such event since the shipyard began full operations—and a rare achievement within the global shipbuilding industry.
Record Contracting Volume for Hengli in 2025
With the latest deals, Hengli said its total contracting volume for 2025 has reached 115 vessels, with an aggregate value exceeding RMB 100 billion ($14.3 billion) . The shipbuilder described 2025 as another strong year, underlining its rapid expansion and growing role in the global newbuilding market.
The addition of the Norwegian suezmax order further diversifies Hengli’s customer base and builds on previous contracts for LNG dual-fuel suezmax tankers, reflecting the yard’s strategic move toward higher-end tanker segments.
Capital Reinforces Its Position Among Leading Greek Owners
For Capital Maritime, the order reinforces its standing as one of the most active Greek shipowners in the newbuilding market. By continuing to renew and expand its fleet, the group is positioning itself to capture future opportunities across energy transportation and dry bulk shipping , amid evolving trade patterns and long-term demand expectations.
