British tanker and bulk carrier owner Union Maritime is expanding its fleet by placing orders for a series of handysize product tankers at a Chinese shipyard, according to Trade Winds.
It is reported that Union Maritime has signed a contract with the restructured Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co. (DSOC) for the construction of four 23,500 dwt product tankers, scheduled for delivery in 2026.
This is the first ocean-going merchant vessel project of DSOC after the successful restructuring, except for the liquefied carbon dioxide carriers, which is of milestone significance.
Union Maritime currently operates 66 vessels, including 51 tankers and chemical tankers (ranging from 12,000 to 105,000 DWT), 12 bulk carriers (ranging from 33,000 to 201,000 DWT) and 3 offshore vessels.
Union Maritime has been actively placing shipbuilding orders to expand its fleet in recent years, including four new orders for DSOC, and the shipowner is currently holding contracts for 49 newbuildings to be delivered between 2025 and 2027.