Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 27, Bruton, backed by Norwegian investor Tor Olav Trøim, has finalised contracts with New Times Shipbuilding in China for two scrubber-fitted Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), with options for two additional vessels of the same design. The Oslo-listed company confirmed that the agreements were completed through its wholly owned subsidiary, Andes Tankers III, which has signed firm contracts for the two VLCCs and option agreements for two more.

The firm vessels are scheduled for delivery between the fourth quarter of 2028 and the second quarter of 2029. If Bruton decides to exercise the options before 31 December 2025, the additional two ships would be delivered between the third and fourth quarters of 2029. All four vessels will be equipped with scrubbers and designed to be LNG dual-fuel ready, aligning with future environmental compliance requirements.

This announcement follows a letter of intent revealed earlier in October and highlights Bruton’s increasing commitment to the VLCC market. The company has also raised $110 million through a private placement to fund its expanding newbuilding programme, reinforcing its strategy to build a modern and fuel-efficient tanker fleet.

Trøim, a well-known figure in the global shipping industry, returned to the tanker segment in 2023 after a 15-year hiatus. His re-entry began with a $270 million order for two VLCCs, marking the first phase of a renewed investment drive. This was followed by two additional newbuilds under Andes Tankers. Should Bruton exercise its latest options, the company’s total fleet under construction will increase to eight VLCCs, significantly expanding its presence in the large crude carrier market.

New Times Shipbuilding, located in Jingjiang, China, has become one of the country’s leading builders of large tankers and bulk carriers, known for its competitive pricing and advanced shipbuilding capabilities. The shipyard has seen growing international demand for its energy-efficient vessel designs, particularly in the dual-fuel and scrubber-fitted segments.

The VLCC market has experienced a gradual recovery in 2024 and 2025, supported by rising oil trade volumes and improved freight rates. This has encouraged several shipowners to invest in next-generation vessels that comply with stricter environmental regulations. Bruton’s latest order reflects this broader industry shift toward cleaner and more efficient tonnage, positioning the company for long-term competitiveness in the global tanker sector.

“The expansion of our VLCC programme demonstrates our confidence in the market’s fundamentals and our commitment to sustainable growth,” a company spokesperson stated. The move also strengthens Bruton’s strategic partnership with Chinese shipyards, highlighting China’s role as a key global hub for large-scale commercial shipbuilding.

With the latest contracts, Bruton is set to establish a strong foothold in the modern VLCC segment, supported by efficient fleet renewal and environmentally focused technology.