Italian product tanker owner d’Amico International Shipping (DIS) has expanded its newbuilding programme in China， ordering two additional MR2 tankers at Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding.

The Milan- and OTCQX-listed company said its operating unit， d’Amico Tankers， has exercised options for the pair of 50，000 dwt vessels under a shipbuilding contract signed earlier this year.

The ships will cost $45.4m each and are scheduled for delivery in August and October 2029.

The latest move follows DIS’s initial order for two MR tankers at the same yard reported earlier this year， as the company stepped up its fleet renewal programme. The Italian owner had also turned to Chinese builders in late 2025 when it contracted MR1 newbuildings as part of its longer-term expansion strategy.

DIS said exercising the options early allowed it to secure additional options for two more vessels of the same design， though at a slightly higher price， which can be exercised by the end of March.

Chief executive Carlos di Mottola said the order supports the group’s strategy of maintaining a modern and fuel-efficient fleet.

The new MR2s are designed to consume around 17% less fuel than the company’s existing eco-design ships when operating at normal engine load and draft， according to the company.

DIS currently operates a fleet of 29 product tankers， with 27 owned and two taken on bareboat charter. Following the latest deal， the company’s orderbook will rise to 10 vessels， comprising four LR1 tankers due for delivery in 2027 and six MR tankers — two MR1s and four MR2s — scheduled for delivery in 2029.