Wedoany.com Report-Dec.27, Greek shipowners continue to show strong interest in the newbuilding sector, with Athens-based Monte Nero Maritime securing orders for two 114,000 dwt LR2 product tankers at Hengli Shipbuilding in Dalian, China. The announcement came through a regulatory filing by Songfa Ceramics, the Shanghai-listed parent company of the yard, disclosed over the weekend of December 27, 2025.

The vessels were contracted by a single-purpose company affiliated with Monte Nero Holdings. The combined contract value falls within a range of $100 million to $200 million, with deliveries scheduled successively during the first half of 2027.

This order contributes to the growing tanker orderbook at Hengli Shipbuilding, a rapidly developing facility that continues to secure projects from both international and domestic clients. Located in Dalian, the yard has established itself as a competitive option for high-quality commercial vessel construction.

For Monte Nero Maritime, the agreement represents a step forward in fleet development. The company demonstrated notable activity in the previous year within the MR2 product tanker segment, placing multiple newbuilding orders at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industries (Guangdong) and Huanghai Shipbuilding, both in China. By advancing into the larger LR2 category, Monte Nero reflects sustained optimism in the product tanker sector, particularly for clean petroleum transportation.

Chinese shipyards, including Hengli, have increasingly attracted orders from Greek principals, benefiting from strong construction capabilities, timely delivery performance, and alignment with modern efficiency standards. This trend supports the global supply of reliable tonnage for international trade routes.

The LR2 product tankers, with their substantial cargo capacity and suitability for medium- to long-haul voyages, play an important role in transporting refined oil products efficiently. Such vessels help meet diverse market requirements while incorporating features that enhance operational performance.

Hengli Shipbuilding's expanding portfolio underscores its rising prominence in the industry. The yard's ability to handle a variety of vessel types, including tankers, has drawn attention from owners seeking dependable partners for fleet renewal and growth.

Overall, this transaction highlights ongoing collaboration between Greek shipping interests and Chinese shipbuilding facilities. It contributes to the steady advancement of maritime infrastructure and supports efficient global logistics for energy products.