China's Hengli Heavy Industry Claims a Global First with the Simultaneous Float-Out of Four VLCCs

The shipyard has called the simultaneous launch of four very large crude carriers (VLCCs) by China's Hengli Heavy Industry a first for the world's shipbuilding sector.

Concurrently, four 306,000 dwt VLCCs were launched during the float-out on January 4 at the yard's No. 1 dry dock.

According to the company, it is quite uncommon to prepare and launch four vessels of this size together because of the level of cooperation and technical difficulty involved.

Establishment of Hengli Heavy Industry

On the location of the former STX Dalian Shipbuilding yard, Hengli Heavy Industry was established in 2022. It belongs to the Hengli Group, a Guangdong Songfa subsidiary. The shipbuilder has quickly won orders from a number of significant international maritime firms.

Moreover, according to the shipyard, Dry Dock No. 1's dimensions—741 metres long by 135 metres wide—made the operation possible.

Notably, the dock enables the simultaneous construction of four 300,000 dwt-class VLCC or VLOC boats. The business claims that to keep all four ships moving forward simultaneously during construction, stringent manufacturing timetables and closely synchronised procedures were adhered to.

When the dock's flood valves were opened on January 3, the float-out procedure got underway. By January 4, according to the yard, the dock gate may be opened, enabling the ships to float out.

Front Resolute, a Marshall Islands-registered tanker, was the first vessel to depart the dock.

Significant Orders Secured: The Shipyard's Record Year

Hengli explained that instead of requiring human cable adjustments, the launch used a sophisticated cable trolley system. The yard claims that this strategy improved operational efficiency and safety.

Following their floating out, the four VLCCs were transferred to fitting-out basins to finish. There are no set dates for delivery.

According to sources, the yard secured over 115 vessel orders worth over $14 billion in 2025, more than doubling its backlog.

Furthermore, it announced seven more orders by the end of 2025, comprising one Suezmax tanker, four Capesize bulk carriers, and two VLCCs.

Reportedly, more than 200 ships are on order at the shipyard, with deliveries planned through 2029. China's growing share of worldwide shipbuilding orders, which was close to 54% in the first quarter of 2025, 67% in the second, and 65% in the third, has also been aided by its quick expansion.

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