Eastern Pacific Shipping has expanded its orderbook with six VLCCs (very large crude carriers) placed at Hengli Heavy Industries, part of a 12-vessel contract valued at US$1.1 million and $1.6 billion, reported London's Riviera Maritime Media.

The latest deal includes six 306,000-dwt VLCCs, two 157,000-dwt LNG dual-fuel Suezmax tankers, and four 6,000-TEU container ships. Deliveries are scheduled sequentially from the second half of 2027 through 2028.

Earlier this year, EPS had already placed two initial orders at Hengli, covering two firm plus two optional Suezmaxes and four firm plus four optional 6,000-TEU container vessels. The new contracts broaden co-operation between the companies into the VLCC segment.

Hengli has announced multiple new contracts in recent months for bulk carriers, tankers and container ships. Greek and international owners have taken advantage of Hengli's comparatively early delivery slots, as capacity at China's top-tier yards for 2028 is nearly fully booked.

Hengli said the EPS deal will enhance its medium- and long-term competitiveness and profitability. EPS continues to pursue one of the industry's most ambitious newbuilding programmes, ranking third worldwide in 2024 with 71 ships totalling 7.7 million dwt on order, according to BRS Shipbrokers.