Tor Olav Trøim-backed VLCC newcomer Bruton has exercised options for two additional newbuildings at China’s New Times Shipyard， continuing its steady build-up in the supertanker market.

The Oslo-listed company confirmed it has moved ahead with the optional vessels attached to its earlier contracts with the yard， with pricing and payment terms unchanged from the most recently announced orders. The two ships are scheduled for delivery in 2029.

The move follows Bruton’s October deal with New Times for two scrubber-fitted VLCC units， which included options for a further pair of the same design. Those first two vessels are due for delivery between the fourth quarter of 2028 and the second quarter of 2029.

Trøim returned to the tanker market in 2023 after a 15-year absence， initially re-entering with a $270m order for two VLCCs. That bet on crude tankers was later expanded through Trøim-backed Andes Tankers， which also lined up additional newbuildings. With the latest option exercise， Bruton now has eight VLCC newbuildings on order at the Chinese yard. The first vessel in the series is expected to deliver as early as July 2026.