Chinese chemical tanker operator Dingheng Group has secured a million-tonne-scale transportation cooperation agreement with PETRONAS Chemicals Marketing (Labuan) Ltd. (PCML), the marketing and distribution arm of PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad, marking a significant milestone in the company’s international expansion and its growing role in the global chemical shipping market.

The agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur on 7 July 2026, covering transportation volumes on a million-tonne scale.

The signing represents the further deepening of cooperation between Dingheng Group and PCML, taking a relationship built through sustained operational engagement into a new stage of commercial cooperation.

The agreement was signed by Tang Hongkun, Vice President of Dingheng Shipping Technology, a subsidiary of Dingheng Group, and Li Tao, General Manager of the company’s Business Department, together with representatives from PCML, including M Nizam M Yusof, Head of Marketing & Sales (Methanol, Aromatics & MTBE), acting under delegated authority for the Chief Executive Officer of PCML, and Norhafnizam Ahmad Ghazali, General Manager, Supply & Distribution.

Representatives from both companies, including Wu Yongfei, General Manager of Dingheng Ship Management, attended the signing ceremony.

From operational cooperation to deeper commercial engagement

Dingheng Group said the partnership with PCML has developed gradually, beginning with individual cargo transportation assignments and evolving into a more stable and large-scale cooperation model.

The company attributed the expansion to consistent operational performance, a strong safety management system and reliable contract execution.

In November 2025, Bahrin Asmawi, CEO of PCML, led a delegation to visit Dingheng Group. The two sides held discussions on further cooperation and strengthened mutual understanding based on shared values of professionalism, integrity and operational excellence.

The latest agreement reflects PCML’s growing confidence in Dingheng’s ability to provide stable, reliable and customer-focused transportation solutions.

Fleet expansion supports global ambitions

Dingheng Group has accelerated fleet development in recent years under its “100-Ship Plan”, with its fleet now exceeding 60 vessels.

The company has continued to optimise its fleet structure while developing an integrated global shipping service network covering vessel management, maritime logistics and digitalised voyage coordination.

Dingheng said the combination of fleet capability and intelligent supply chain development has provided the foundation for deeper cooperation with international customers.

The company has also been expanding its presence in chemical tanker transportation, a sector requiring specialised vessels, strict safety standards and long-term customer relationships.

A growing role in global chemical logistics

For Dingheng, the agreement represents another step in connecting China’s growing chemical shipping capabilities with international supply chains.

As chemical cargo customers increasingly focus on transportation reliability, safety performance and supply chain resilience, specialised chemical tanker operators with modern fleets and international operating experience are gaining greater importance.

Looking ahead, Dingheng Group and PCML said they will continue exploring deeper cooperation in chemical transportation, maritime logistics and supply chain solutions, supporting regional trade connectivity and the long-term development of the international chemical shipping industry.