Trafigura has returned to China to commission additional very large crude carriers (VLCCs).
Several brokers report that the global commodities trader has ordered three more 319,000 dwt VLCCs from Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry.
While the cost of this latest order has not been disclosed, these new vessels will be equipped with scrubbers and will be ammonia-ready.
Earlier this year, Trafigura placed its first VLCC order for two ships at the same yard, driven by a market shortage of modern supertanker tonnage, with only a few units expected to be delivered this year and next.
The company’s initial newbuilds are set to join the fleet in July and September 2026, with the new trio scheduled for delivery in 2027.