[Yonhap/January 15, 2026] Hanwha Ocean has won its first shipbuilding contract of the year, securing an order for three very large crude carriers (VLCCs) from a Middle Eastern shipowner.

The company announced on Jan. 15 that the contract is valued at 572.2 billion won. The three VLCCs are scheduled for delivery by the end of April 2029.

The global VLCC fleet is aging rapidly, prompting an inevitable phase-out of older vessels. As a result, industry observers expect demand for new VLCC construction to remain structurally strong.

Hanwha Ocean has continued to build trust among global shipowners, supported by its extensive experience in VLCC design and construction, differentiated technological competitiveness, and advanced technical capabilities incorporating fuel efficiency improvements and environmentally friendly specifications.

A Hanwha Ocean official said the company plans to maintain a selective order strategy focused on high value-added large vessels, while responding flexibly to market fluctuations.