Ireland-based product tanker owner Ardmore Shipping has expanded its newbuilding programme in China， exercising options for two additional product and chemical carriers at Wuhu Shipyard.

The New York-listed company said it had declared options for a further pair of 40，500 dwt newbuilds， bringing its orderbook at the Chinese yard to four vessels.

The additional ships are understood to be priced at approximately $44.9m each and were contracted on the same terms as the original order announced earlier this year.

Deliveries of the four vessels are scheduled from late 2028 onwards. Ardmore has also secured two further options with the yard， giving the company flexibility to expand the programme.

Chief executive Gernot Ruppelt said the latest move represented another step in the company’s fleet renewal strategy.

“We are pleased to take a further step in growing the business with these highly versatile， modern assets， which are well matched to Ardmore’s long-term strategy， while deepening our relationship with a quality shipbuilder，” Ruppelt said.

“We believe these orders represent compelling value， and the additional options provide discretionary flexibility for the second half of the year.”

The vessels are expected to feature modern fuel-efficient designs aligned with tightening environmental regulations and evolving charterer requirements. Ardmore currently operates a fleet of around 25 vessels， predominantly consisting of MR product tankers.