The Athens-based tanker major has been linked to a new MR construction deal at COSCO Guangdong Shipyard for a pair of 50，000 dwt newbuilds. Details covering price and delivery dates have yet to be independently confirmed.

The move marks Pantheon’s first purpose-built MR programme since a six-ship series delivered by South Korea’s STX Offshore & Shipbuilding in 2019.

Pantheon currently manages 14 MR tankers. The six STX-built ships are joined by eight smaller MR units of between 40，000 and 46，000 dwt， all built at Hyundai Mipo in 2016 and 2017.

The MR move adds another segment to a substantial newbuilding drive increasingly centred on Chinese yards.

Pantheon recently completed a four-ship， 114，000 dwt LR2/aframax programme at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry in Yangzhou and has two 157，000 dwt LNG dual-fuel suezmaxes booked at a COSCO-affiliated yard for 2028. The company also has two VLCCs under construction at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co for delivery in 2027.

Pantheon has additionally been linked to four 306，000 dwt VLCCs at Hengli Heavy Industry for delivery in 2028 and 2029.