Malaysian tanker owner Orkim Berhad has ordered two 9,000-dwt product tankers in China for RMB250.6 million (approximately US$37.3 million), extending its investment in the fleet serving Malaysian coastal and regional petroleum trades. The contracts, signed on 3 November 2026, come as the company takes early delivery of the 14,500-dwt Orkim Jade, bringing its fleet to 21 vessels.

Two Ships for Delivery in 2028 and 2029

The buyer is wholly owned subsidiary Orkim Marine Sdn Bhd, with Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Ltd. named in the contracts. The agreements cover design, construction, commissioning and delivery. Each vessel is priced at RMB125.3 million (approximately US$18.65 million), with a cargo capacity of 11,700 cubic metres and a guaranteed speed of 13 knots. Both are intended to sail under the Malaysian flag.

Payments will be made against construction milestones, with the investment financed through internal resources and bank borrowings. According to Bernama’s report on the exchange filing, the procurement followed a competitive tender. The successful bid offered the lowest price among those meeting the group’s technical specifications and requirements, while the assessment also considered yard experience, track record, reliability and the ability to deliver within the required timeframe.

Bernama’s account of the filing gives delivery deadlines of 31 December 2028 for the first vessel and 31 December 2029 for the second, subject to contractual provisions permitting extensions. The ships’ operating contribution will follow delivery and the start of commercial service.

Regional Distribution Shapes the Vessel Choice

According to information released on the yard side, the 9,000-dwt design has a double hull and double bottom and is intended for international service, carrying products such as diesel and jet fuel, as well as certain permitted chemical cargoes. The design incorporates an optimised hull form and is specified to meet Tier III nitrogen oxide emission limits and Phase 3 of the Energy Efficiency Design Index. Inert gas and ballast water treatment systems are among the equipment options.

The yard identifies short- and medium-haul petroleum distribution in Southeast Asia and nearby waters as a principal application. That fits Orkim’s established business: its clean petroleum products network primarily connects Malaysian coastal ports and neighbouring markets, including Singapore, moving cargoes between refineries, storage facilities and distribution points. The latest order therefore adds vessels suited to the company’s existing regional transport network.

Orkim is also building on an established relationship with Fujian Southeast. A yard announcement issued in June 2025 referred to earlier cooperation involving two 14,500-dwt and three 9,000-dwt product tankers, followed by further work on the 14,500-dwt design. Construction of hull DN14500-3 began on 13 June 2025. The latest pair extends that cooperation in the small and medium-sized product tanker segment.

Shell Charter Backs Orkim Jade

Alongside the new order, Orkim announced that its subsidiary had taken early delivery of Orkim Jade at Fujian Southeast Shipyard. The Malaysian-registered tanker is expected to enter commercial service in November 2026 and represents the group’s third fleet addition this year. It has high-efficiency engines and is the first vessel in Orkim’s fleet equipped with an onboard nitrogen generation system.

Orkim Jade already has long-term employment secured with Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd. Awarded in September 2024, the consecutive voyage charter has an initial firm period of three years, followed by extension options of three years and two years. If fully exercised, these provide a potential total charter period of eight years. The Shell agreement relates to Orkim Jade; separate employment arrangements for the two newly ordered 9,000-dwt vessels have not been publicly detailed.

For the newly delivered tanker, the existing charter provides a basis for deployment and greater visibility over future revenue. It also illustrates the connection between fleet investment and customer commitments: the commercial value of a new vessel depends on how effectively delivery is followed by sustained operating employment.

Fleet Expansion Extends Through 2029

Founded in 2007 and listed on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market in December 2025, Orkim owns and operates tankers carrying clean petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas. Its website records a fleet of 18 vessels totalling 239,186 dwt at the end of 2025. Following the delivery of Orkim Jade, that has risen to 21 vessels and 281,534 dwt, representing an increase of approximately 17.7% in carrying capacity between the two reporting points.

Orkim executive director and chief executive officer Captain Cheah Sin Bi said the group plans to add another five vessels between 2027 and 2029, beginning with the expected delivery of Orkim Ruby in 2027. The two newly contracted 9,000-dwt product tankers form part of that broader programme.

Cheah described the investment approach as disciplined and commercially driven, supported by tanker market fundamentals and long-term customer demand. He also pointed to supportive developments in Malaysian shipping policy. The programme sets out a phased expansion, with the next identified delivery, Orkim Ruby, preceding the latest pair under their 2028 and 2029 contractual deadlines.

US dollar equivalents are calculated at RMB6.7180 per US$1, China’s official central parity rate on 4 November 2026, and are rounded.safe.gov.cn