Capital Tankers, an Oslo-listed company backed by Evangelos Marinakis, has announced the acquisition of three Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) newbuilding contracts. These contracts were purchased from its parent entity, Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. The vessels are being constructed at Hengli Shipbuilding in China, with expected delivery dates in September, October, and November 2027.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this fleet expansion signals a potential increase in crude oil transportation capacity in the coming years. While VLCCs primarily serve the oil and gas sector, a larger global tanker fleet can indirectly influence overall shipping dynamics, including port congestion and vessel availability, though direct impact on container or general cargo rates is minimal. This move reflects a long-term investment strategy in the tanker market, anticipating sustained demand for crude oil transport.
