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

Zodiac Maritime fleet-renewal new VLCC
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.

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