Hengli Heavy Industry has tightened its foothold in the Greek newbuilding market after securing fresh LR2 product tanker orders from shipowning groups Alimia and Laskaridis.
The Chinese yard confirmed it has signed multiple effective contracts for LR2s with the Athens-based owners, marking another step forward in its push into high-end liquid cargo carriers.
The LR2s ordered at Hengli will incorporate the yard’s latest “green” platform, meeting IMO Tier III emission limits while targeting fuel-efficient operations and enhanced safety standards, the yard said.
The Thanassis Laskaridis-led Alimia Group, through its shipping arm Minerva Maritime, has signed up for a pair of LR2 tankers at Hengli, with delivery dates running through the first half of 2027. The order expands the group’s tanker book to 10 vessels — five MR2s, three LR2s and two VLCCs — as the owner continues to diversify beyond dry bulk.
The deal builds on a string of recent contracts between the two sides. Last month, Laskaridis booked two VLCCs at the same yard, scheduled for handover in early 2027. Hengli is already constructing a series of 10 kamsarmax bulk carriers for the group, several of which have been delivered.
Andreas Martinos-led Minerva has meanwhile joined the latest round of LR2 ordering at Hengli, adding to its broader fleet expansion programme. Although the owner has recently focused on container newbuildings in the 1,800–3,000 teu range at Chinese yards, Minerva also holds four LR2s under construction at New Times Shipbuilding for delivery in 2027.
Industry sources say the latest Hengli LR2 contracts reflect growing confidence among Greek owners in the yard’s product tanker platform and delivery record. Hengli has emerged as one of the busiest Chinese builders for Greek newbuildings. The Dalian-based yard has secured contracts for a broad spread of vessel types in recent months, with 2025 orderbook nearing 100 vessels and forward slots now stretching into 2029.
