Spanish shipowner Ibaizabal Group has returned to the suezmax newbuilding market after more than a decade， with the tanker owner linked to a fresh order at China’s Hengli Heavy Industries.

Multiple shipbuilding sources said the group’s tanker arm， Ibaizabal Tankers， has contracted at least two 158，000 dwt crude carriers at the Dalian-based builder for delivery in 2028.

Broker estimates place the price at around $85m per vessel， although neither the owner nor the yard has disclosed financial details.

Some shipbuilding databases， however， indicate the Spanish owner may have booked as many as four suezmaxes at the yard， with values estimated at roughly $86m each， suggesting the programme could eventually expand beyond the initial pair.

The reported move marks Ibaizabal’s first suezmax ordering campaign since it contracted a series of tankers at Spanish state-owned shipbuilder Navantia in 2015. Those vessels were delivered in 2018 and 2019.

Ibaizabal Tankers currently operates a fleet of seven suezmaxes and has remained relatively quiet on the newbuilding front in recent years compared with some of its European tanker rivals.

The latest order also adds further momentum to Hengli’s rapid emergence as a major player in the global tanker construction market. The Chinese yard has attracted a steady flow of tanker business during the past year， particularly from Greek owners looking to renew fleets ahead of tighter environmental rules and shifting trade patterns.

Among the most recent deals， the Prokopiou family-linked Beacon Tankers has signed for up to four suezmax newbuildings at Hengli， while Dynacom Tankers Management， controlled by Greek shipping magnate George Procopiou， has also been active at the yard with a series of suezmax orders. Greek owner Minerva Marine has likewise booked suezmax tonnage at Hengli this year as the yard continues to build its presence in the segment.