DHT Holdings to make design upgrades to two newbuild Hyundai VLCCs

Photo: DHT Holdings

NYSE-listed DHT Holdings Inc. (NYSE: DHT) says that it has identified and will implement a proactive design upgrade for its two newbuildings delivering from Hyundai this year. The company gives no specifics of what the upgrades involve, but says that they are intended to ensure optimal trading eligibility and enhance the vessels’ commercial flexibility.

The implementation schedule and operational plan are as follows:

DHT Impala: Delivery is now expected in late July 2026, with the design upgrade fully integrated. This remains well ahead of the original contractual delivery deadline of December 2026.

DHT Gazelle: Following its delivery in March 2026, the vessel will complete its current and intended cargo commitments before returning to the shipyard for the planned upgrade in the third quarter of 2026.

Charter continuity: To ensure uninterrupted service under its long-term time charter, the company will substitute DHT Gazelle with DHT Addax, which was also delivered in March 2026.

DHT Holdings further notes that its newbuildings delivered from Hanwha in January and March 2026, DHT Antelope and DHT Addax, respectively, as well as DHT Oryx, scheduled for delivery in August 2028, are not affected and do not require any upgrades.