Mercuria Energy Group has reached a $1 billion investment milestone for 2026 newbuilding contracts.The latest phase of this “spree” includes orders for two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and a series of kamsarmax bulkers, together worth approximately $300 million. This follows a significant first-quarter push where the Swiss commodity trader signed contracts for tankers and large bulkers valued at roughly $700 million.Mercuria has ordered two 306,000 DWT VLCCs at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC) in China, priced at approximately $123 million each. These vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2029.The company added four kamsarmax bulk carriers (82,000 DWT) at Wuhu Shipyard.Traditionally a charterer, Mercuria is moving toward a more asset-backed model. Its current orderbook has grown to approximately 20 newbuilds, including VLCCs, LR2 product tankers, and various bulker segments Earlier 2026 deals included two LR2 tankers at DSIC, valued at about $75 million each.This investment comes amid a broader surge in the VLCC market, where shipowners have spent over $10 billion on newbuildings in early 2026.
Note by Alessandro Bazzoni