China’s Seacon Shipping is diversifying its fleet， signing for its first tanker orders.

Hong Kong-listed Seacon has contracted Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding to build four 18，500 dwt chemical tankers in a deal worth a total of $129.2m. The four newbuildings are expected to be delivered between July 2025 and May 2026.

Ever since its IPO in March last year， Seacon has been looking to optimize its fleet by gradually phasing out older， controlled vessels and replacing them with newer tonnage.

“The continuing conflicts and disruption in oil-producing nations in the Middle East since October 2023 have prompted increased demand for oil transportation. This surge in demand has been reflected in the significant rise of the Baltic Clean Tanker Index since the third quarter of 2023，” the Qingdao-based company stated in a release.