Singapore-based MAC Shipping has placed another order for chemical tanker newbuildings at a Chinese yard, according to broker reports cited by Splash247. The latest deal expands the company's newbuilding push into stainless steel chemical tanker tonnage, adding four 29,000 dwt vessels to a program that now totals eight ships across two Chinese shipyards.
Newbuilding Details
Brokers report that MAC Shipping has contracted four 29,000 dwt chemical tankers at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding. Deliveries are scheduled for 2029. No price has been disclosed for this latest order, according to Splash247.
The deal follows MAC's newbuilding debut in late 2024, when the owner ordered up to four 25,900 dwt units at Jiangxi New Jiangzhou Shipbuilding Heavy Industry. Those vessels were priced at about $50 million each, according to brokers, with deliveries starting in 2026.
Current Fleet and Operations
MAC Shipping's current online fleet list shows two operational vessels: the 2003-built Mac London and the 2006-built Mac Tokyo. Both are IMO II/III oil and stainless steel chemical tankers of about 20,000 dwt. The company also lists the Mac Jakarta and Mac Singapore as sold, according to Splash247.
The company, part of MAC Ship Holding, says it operates chemical tankers carrying liquid cargoes including biofuels, clean fuels, chemicals and related commodities. MAC started with breakbulk vessels before moving into chemical tankers in 2022 and setting up in-house ship management in early 2023.
Implications for Chemical Shipping Capacity
The expansion of MAC's newbuilding program adds to the supply of modern stainless steel chemical tanker tonnage. With eight vessels on order across two yards, the company is positioning itself for growth in the niche chemical shipping segment. However, no details on charter rates or market demand were provided in the source.
| Vessel Class | DWT | Yard | Number Ordered | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29,000 dwt | 29,000 | Taizhou Maple Leaf | 4 | 2029 |
| 25,900 dwt | 25,900 | Jiangxi New Jiangzhou | up to 4 | from 2026 |
Watch List
- Delivery timelines and any potential delays at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding or Jiangxi New Jiangzhou
- Further newbuilding orders by MAC Shipping or other chemical tanker operators
- Market demand for stainless steel chemical tankers, especially for biofuels and clean fuels
Sources:
