Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has signed agreements with Nihon Shipyard to build three new very large crude carriers (VLCCs), expanding its tanker fleet as demand for modern and fuel-efficient crude carriers remains strong. The vessels are scheduled for delivery from 2029.
Each vessel will have a deadweight capacity of 311,000 tonnes, with an overall length of 339.5 metres and a beam of 60 metres. The ships will be built to a Malaccamax design, allowing them to transport crude between the Middle East and Asia via the Strait of Malacca.
K Line described the newbuildings as next-generation, energy-saving and high-fuel-efficiency vessels. The company selected Nihon Shipyard for its technical expertise and track record in constructing Malaccamax VLCCs.
The new tankers are intended to support stable crude oil transportation, particularly to Japan, as the country and the wider shipping industry transition towards lower-carbon operations. K Line said the vessels will leverage its experience in crude-oil transportation and vessel operations to provide safe and reliable services.
The order comes amid a strong VLCC newbuilding cycle, with owners increasingly ordering modern tonnage after exceptionally strong tanker earnings. Around 54.5 million dwt of VLCC capacity was ordered during the first six months of 2026, lifting the VLCC orderbook-to-fleet ratio to about 35%, according to Maritime Strategies International.
The three vessels will strengthen K Line’s position in the crude transportation market while adding more fuel-efficient tonnage to its fleet and supporting long-term energy supply chains between the Middle East and Asian markets.