During the international shipping exhibition Posidonia 2026, Greek shipowner George Prokopiou has reportedly placed a major new order, according to shipbroking sources.Industry reports indicate that Prokopiou has reached an agreement with the Chinese shipyard Hudong-Zhonghua for the construction of an additional 12 very large crude carriers (VLCCs), each with a carrying capacity of approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil. The same sources estimate the total value of the contract at more than 1.3 billion dollars.Following this latest move, the orderbook of the shipping group controlled by Prokopiou now exceeds 90 vessels, including crude oil tankers, bulk carriers, and LNG carriers.Data compiled from shipping platforms show that more than 30 VLCCs, over 50 Suezmax tankers, as well as a series of bulk carriers and LNG carriers are currently under construction for companies affiliated with the group. Shipbroking sources further indicate that the Greek shipowner remains active in the market for large bulk carrier acquisitions.At present, companies within the group manage a fleet of 157 vessels, including tankers, LNG carriers, and bulk carriers.The new VLCCs, with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 307,000 dwt, are designed with a focus on fuel efficiency and improved operational performance on long-haul voyages.Their design incorporates an optimised hull form, advanced propulsion and energy-saving technologies, as well as emissions-reduction equipment, including scrubbers and catalytic reduction systems.In addition, the technical configuration of the vessels provides enhanced flexibility for transporting different grades of crude oil, a feature considered critical in a market characterised by shifting trade flows.