Hong Kong-based Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, a family-owned integrated shipping company, managed by the third generation of the Chao family, has announced the order for two firm 114,000-dwt LR2, with options for two additional ships, as the company pushes ahead in advancing its fleet renewal.
Hing Chao-led Wah Kwong has signed a deal with China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. (CSTC), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), together with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC), for the construction of up to four units.
The newbuildings will incorporate advanced energy-efficient and low-emission features, in compliance with IMO Tier III emission standards and meeting EEDI Phase 3 requirements.
The ships will also be delivered with LNG-ready, methanol-ready and CCUS-ready provisions.
Senior executives from Wah Kwong, including chairman Hing Chao and managing director Capt. Zhou Jianfeng, attended the signing ceremony alongside DSIC chairman Han Dongwang and CSTC general manager Han Jianbing.
No prices were disclosed by the company.
“This order marks a key step forward in advancing our fleet renewal, optimising fleet structure and enhancing energy transportation capabilities. As a global integrated shipping company, Wah Kwong will continue to deepen close collaboration with our core partners across the value chain, working together to build a more efficient, sustainable and resilient maritime industry,” said Zhou Jianfeng, the managing director of Wah Kwong.
Established in Hong Kong in 1952 by T.Y. Chao, Wah Kwong currently has four main business streams – ship owning, ship management, dry bulk operating, and energy, serving customers and partners in China, Asia, Europe and Middle East.
