China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) has moved to further expand its crude tanker fleet, lining up 10 very large crude carriers (VLCCs) at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC). The Shanghai-listed owner has placed the order through its Hong Kong-based subsidiary Associated Maritime Co, adding another large batch of tonnage to an already active newbuilding programme. CMES is paying RMB 8.566bn ($1.24bn) to see 306,000 dwt conventionally-fuelled scrubber-fitted vessels delivered between 2028 and 2030, according to stock exchange filings. The latest deal builds on a long-standing relationship between CMES and DSIC. The yard has delivered more than 50 ships to the group since 2007, and as recently as 2024, secured orders for five VLCCs and five aframax tankers. The shipping arm of China Merchants Group has been steadily refreshing its fleet across segments, including a recent move into the shuttle tanker market. Earlier this year, the company tapped a CSSC yard for a 154,000 dwt shuttle tanker, with an option for a second unit. The new VLCC order signals continued confidence in long-haul crude transport, with multiple owners signing up for newbuild tonnage in China and South Korea and deliveries stretching into the end of the decade. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); });