Greek owner Pantheon Tankers Management has moved to further expand its crude fleet, ordering four very large crude carriers at China’s Hengli Heavy Industry.
Market sources say the Anna Angelicoussis-controlled company has contracted the yard for four 306,000 dwt VLCCs, with deliveries slated for 2028 and 2029. Estimated prices are said to range between $113m and $133m per vessel.
The order places Pantheon among a growing list of Greek owners returning to the VLCC newbuilding market, as the Dalian-based yard continues to attract large tanker contracts, including the most recent order for 11 ships from Evangelos Marinakis-controlled Capital Maritime and Trading.
The VLCC deal is understood to form part of a broader package disclosed by Hengli’s parent group, Songfa Ceramics.
In parallel, Pantheon has also confirmed a separate order for two 157,000 dwt LNG dual-fuel suezmax tankers at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou). The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028.
Pantheon currently lists six newbuilding projects on its books, excluding the latest Hengli VLCCs. These include two VLCCs and four suezmaxes split between Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Excluding vessels on order, the operating fleet stands at around 40 ships.
The broader Anna Angelicoussis group has also stayed busy, with its LNG unit Alpha Gas booking two new LNG carriers at Hanwha Ocean for delivery in 2029.
