Japanese Shipbuilders Secure Contracts for Eco-Friendly Tankers
Two Japanese shipbuilding players have secured contracts to construct three eco-friendly stainless steel chemical tankers for Singapore-based company specializing in vessel chartering and logistics solutions Jaldhi Overseas, part of Bothra Group.
According to Greek shipbroker Intermodal’s data, Jaldhi Overseas has placed an order for two chemical tankers at Imabari-based Asakawa Shipbuilding and one unit at Fukuoka Shipbuilding. The contract price for the three vessels is as of yet undisclosed.
The newbuilds slated for construction by the former Japanese yard will feature a deadweight tonnage of 26,000 each, while the tanker to be built by the latter yard will have a deadweight tonnage of 20,000. All of the units are due to be handed over in 2027 and 2028.
Jaldhi Overseas, established in 2004, currently operates three stainless steel tankers: the 2000-built MT Jal Garuda, the 2002-built MT Jal Kisan, and the 2006-built MT Jal Siddhi, all sailing under the Singaporean flag.
In the upcoming years, Jaldhi plans to expand its fleet by adding three more 40,000 dwt newbuilding tankers, to be constructed by China’s Nantong Xiangyu Offshore & Marine Engineering, with a projected delivery date of 2028.
By the first quarter of 2026, the company is set to welcome five MR tankers from Chinese Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding (Yamic).
Between the third quarter of 2027 and the end of 2028, Jaldhi will prepare to receive four 93,000 cbm very large ammonia carriers (VLACs), currently under construction at Jiangnan Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). In addition, a letter of intent was signed for two additional VLACs of the same capacity.
Recent Developments in Chinese Shipbuilding Industry
Chinese shipyards have seen an increase in chemical tanker orders in recent times. Singapore’s Rongtua Shipping, for example, ordered a pair of Tier III 25,900 dwt newbuilds at Jinling Dingheng yard in March 2025.
Additionally, Chinese chemical tanker operator Xintong Shipping commissioned Taizhou Kouan for four 13,800 dwt units, each priced between $22.3 million and $23.4 million, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2027.