Zodiac Maritime launches $1.6 bn fleet-renewal with new VLCCs and containerships in China

Credit: Zodiac Maritime

According to Splash 247, London-based shipping company Zodiac Maritime has initiated a major fleet renewal worth around $1.6 bn, placing fresh orders for large tankers and containerships in China.

The firm has booked six firm and up to eight optional very large crude carriers (VLCCs) at Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry, its biggest tanker-segment order in years. Besides tankers, the programme includes up to six 9,000-TEU containerships, marking a simultaneous expansion into both crude and box-ship segments. All vessels will be built with energy-saving technologies but will rely on conventional marine fuel propulsion, reflecting continued industry preference in light of uncertain future fuel regulations.

This deal represents Zodiac’s first collaboration with Hantong and follows recent shipbuilding initiatives by the company in other yards.

Global News

Maritime Highlights

Related Maritime News

Maersk Reflags Two Vessels Under Indian Registry

Global container shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk has reflagged two vessels under the Indian registry, becoming the second major carrier after CMA CGM to do so, Maritime Executive reports. The move signals Maersk’s deepening commitment to India, where it plans to invest up to $5 billion in logistics and infrastructure.

Shipping Giants Back Standardised Carbon Emissions Tracking

A new global initiative, Carbon Measures, has brought together leading shipping companies, ports, and major charterers to create a more accurate carbon accounting framework, Splash 247 reports. The coalition aims to improve emissions tracking and promote market-based solutions to cut carbon at the lowest cost.

DeepSea Technologies Roberto Coustas and Konstantinos Kyriakopoulos

DeepSea Charts the Course for Smart, Self-Running Ships

The age of autonomous shipping is no longer a distant vision – it’s set to begin as early as 2026, according to Konstantinos Kyriakopoulos, CEO and co-founder of DeepSea Technologies, one of the maritime industry’s most recognized AI innovators. In an interview with Maritime CEO, reported by Splash 247, Kyriakopoulos predicted that next year will mark the takeoff of propulsion automation.

Greek Shipowners Strengthen Ties with China’s Hengli Heavy Industries

Two prominent Greek shipowners, Eastmed and Seanergy Maritime, are deepening their cooperation with Chinese shipyards. Hengli Heavy Industries continues to expand its growing orderbook with European tonnage. According to Splash 247, the Dalian-based yard has secured contracts worth approximately $211 million for five new bulk carriers from the two companies.

Ukrainian Icebreaker Noosfera Embarks on Fifth Antarctic Expedition

The Ukrainian icebreaker Noosfera has set sail from Cape Town, South Africa, marking the start of its fifth Antarctic expedition, reports The Maritime Telegraph, citing the National Antarctic Scientific Center (NASC). Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Noosfera has served as Ukraine’s vital link to the Akademik Vernadsky Station in Antarctica.

Washington Cleanup Effort Historic Tugboat

Washington Cleanup Effort: Salvors Raise Sunken Historic Tugboat After Oil Spill

A historic tugboat that sank and leaked oil into Washington waters has now been successfully raised by salvors, according to Maritime Executive. Authorities moved quickly to contain environmental damage and remove the wreck, ending days of response operations in the affected area.