China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) is moving into the shuttle tanker segment with an order for up to two newbuildings at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC).

The Shanghai-listed shipping arm of China Merchants Group has signed a contract for one firm 154，000 dwt unit， with an option for a second vessel. The order was disclosed in a regulatory filing， which said the ships will be built at CSSC-controlled DSIC.

The firm vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028. CMES said the investment totals about $256m for the project， covering one confirmed newbuilding and the option unit.

The order marks CMES’s entry into the specialized dynamically positioned shuttle tanker (DPST) segment， a move aimed at supporting deepwater oilfield developments for its core clients. The company said it has already secured long-term time charter contracts linked to the project. Market sources say the newbuilds are expected to be fixed to CNOOC， providing employment from delivery.

CMES， which has been renewing its fleet in several segments and currently has a large shipbuilding programme， noted that the board approved the shuttle tanker project in December 2 025， highlighting the strategic value of diversifying the fleet and adding assets with stable earnings potential. The new additions should bolster the company’s tanker portfolio and expand its presence in offshore-related shipping， as demand for shuttle tanker capacity continues to grow alongside deepwater oilfield activity.