China’s Huayuan Star Shipping has turned to the newbuilding market to expand its fleet with an order for two kamsarmax bulk carriers at compatriot yard Jiangsu Haitong Offshore Engineering Equipment.
A signing ceremony was recently held in Shanghai to formalise the deal. The 85,000 dwt vessels are scheduled for delivery in the second and fourth quarters of 2028, with the yard committing to hand over both ships by the end of December that year.
The kamsarmax pair will be fitted with methanol-ready engines, giving the owner flexibility for future fuel conversion as green methanol becomes more widely available.
Designed for dual domestic and international service, the vessels will primarily transport coal to power plants along China’s southern coast under Huayuan Star’s existing logistics network.
Once delivered, the ships will lift Huayuan Star’s owned fleet capacity to about 504,000 dwt. The order also marks another step in Jiangsu Haitong’s growing presence in the dry bulk segment. The yard, which has traditionally focused on offshore and heavy industrial builds, has been expanding its bulk carrier portfolio as Chinese shipowners look to secure future-proof tonnage.
