Alpha Gas Orders Its First Two VLGC/VLAC Vessels in China from Hengli
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Athens-based Greek shipowner Alpha Gas has ordered two 88,000 cubic meter VLGC/VLAC vessels from the Chinese shipyard Hengli Heavy Industries, located in Dalian. The agreement was finalized in September and calls for delivery of both units during 2029. This is the company's first newbuilding order placed in China.
Capacity for LPG and Ammonia
The new vessels, identified with hull numbers HL-G88K-4 and HL-G88K-5 according to the company's website, are designed to carry both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia. The deal is part of Alpha Gas's fleet expansion strategy in the large-scale gas carrier segment.
Track Record at South Korean Shipyards
Alpha Gas entered the VLGC/VLAC segment in 2024 with orders placed at South Korean shipyards. The company took delivery of the 93,000 cbm Energy Pioneer from Hanwha Ocean in May 2026, and the 88,000 cbm Energy Guardian from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in July. It also has under construction another 93,000 cbm VLGC/VLAC at Hanwha Ocean and another 88,000 cbm unit at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, both scheduled for 2027, along with two 174,000 cbm LNG carriers set for delivery in 2029 from Hanwha Ocean.
Fleet Size
According to TradeWinds, as cited by ports news rusia, Alpha Gas's active fleet currently comprises eight LNG carriers and two VLGC/VLAC vessels, and with the pair ordered from Hengli plus the confirmed newbuilding program, the total rises to 16 vessels. Financial Ports, meanwhile, reports that the current fleet includes two VLGCs and eight LNG carriers, and notes that in January the company had signed another agreement with Hanwha Ocean for two additional LNG carriers, valued at 503 million dollars, also with delivery in 2029.
More Orders from the Angelicoussis Group at Hengli
The new order strengthens the ties between Anna Angelicoussis's shipping group and Hengli Heavy Industries, where other affiliated companies already have orders placed. Pantheon Tankers is building VLCCs at the Chinese shipyard: two 306,000 dwt units scheduled for delivery in 2028, according to Financial Ports, while Ship News reports that the number ordered by Pantheon Tankers is actually four VLCCs. Alpha Bulkers, for its part, has capesize bulk carriers on order at the same shipyard.
