China’s Hengli Shipbuilding has confirmed a major newbuilding programme for Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS)， detailing a 12-ship order that marks one of the most substantial commitments at the yard this year. The deal， valued between $1.1bn and $1.6bn， spans three vessel types and signals the Idan Ofer-led owner’s return to the VLCC segment after a seven-year absence.

EPS has contracted six 306，000 dwt VLCCs， its first large crude carrier order since scrapping the 2000-built Maritime Jewel in 2018. The move extends the Singapore owner’s push to rebuild its crude fleet after several years focused on aframax and suezmax tankers， followed more recently by a run of MR product carrier additions.

The order also includes two 158，000 dwt suezmax tankers equipped with LNG dual-fuel propulsion. EPS had already committed to one pair in July， with options for two more， in a package estimated at $360m. The confirmed vessels are slated for delivery likely in the first half of 2028.

Rounding out the orderbook are four 6，000 teu container ships. EPS had been linked earlier this year to as many as eight units at Hengli at prices close to $80m per ship， including scrubbers and high reefer intake.

The deal adds further momentum to Hengli’s resurgence in the export newbuilding market. The Dalian-based yard has secured contracts for a broad spread of vessel types in recent months， including boxships， bulkers and tankers. Its 2025 orderbook is nearing 100 vessels， with forward slots now stretching into 2029.

For EPS， the agreement reinforces its position as one of the most active owners in the newbuilding market， with a diversified programme across tankers， gas carriers and containerships.