DHT Holdings, Inc. took delivery of the DHT Antelope on January 2 2026, the first of four fully funded very large crude carriers (VLCCs) slated for delivery in the first half of 2026. The vessel will enter the spot market immediately, adding new earning capacity at a time when the VLCC supply curve is tightening.
The company’s existing fleet of 21 VLCCs is now 22 with the Antelope, and the four newbuildings will bring the total to 25 once all are delivered. The expansion follows a recent sale of two older vessels, the DHT China and DHT Europe, for $101.6 million, a move that supports the company’s fleet‑renewal strategy and divestment of Chinese‑built ships that face potential U.S. port fees.
The Antelope’s entry into the spot market is strategically timed to capture premium rates amid a tightening supply environment and stricter environmental regulations that are restricting older, non‑scrubbed vessels from major terminals. DHT’s focus on modern, compliant ships gives it a competitive moat in a market where older vessels are increasingly constrained.
Financially, the newbuildings are fully funded and backed by a $308.4 million senior secured credit facility, underscoring DHT’s strong liquidity and disciplined capital allocation. The company’s ability to secure competitive financing for the new vessels demonstrates robust financial health and confidence in future freight rates.
CEO Svein Moxnes Harfjeld highlighted the importance of the financing agreement, noting that it “played an important role in regards to the company’s fleet renewal and fleet expansion plans.” He added that DHT has “secured very early and competitive delivery slots to build the most efficient ships and of the highest quality the market has to offer.”
The delivery positions DHT to capitalize on current spot‑market strength while laying the groundwork for long‑term growth. Immediate revenue potential is expected as the Antelope begins operating, and the fleet renewal strategy will help the company maintain high utilization rates and pricing power as the global VLCC market continues to tighten and regulatory headwinds increase.
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