Greek owner Efnav is expanding its dry bulk fleet with an order for six kamsarmax bulk carriers at Hengli Heavy Industries, marking its first deal with the fast-growing Chinese yard.
The contract for the 82,000 dwt newbuilds was signed this week in Dalian, with Efnav founder Philippos Efstathiou and Hengli Group chairman Chen Jianhua attending the ceremony. Greek shipbrokers estimate the vessels between $36m and $38m each, putting the total contract value at $216m to $228m, with deliveries slated for the second half of 2026.
The six ships will be built to Hengli’s in-house eco design, featuring the latest energy-efficient systems to meet the IMO’s stringent emissions standards, the yard said. The vessels will comply with EEDI Phase 3 requirements and are described by the builder as “green, energy-saving and safe,” targeting both fuel efficiency and reduced carbon output.
The order strengthens Hengli Heavy Industry’s fast-growing newbuilding portfolio. The yard has been on a major expansion drive, recently securing contracts for a series of VLCCs and capesize and kamsarmax bulkers within a matter of weeks.
For Efnav, the move marks its return to the newbuilding market after several years. The Athens-based owner, which controls around 15 bulkers of similar size, last placed newbuilding orders at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) in 2018 for two 84,000 dwt kamsarmaxes, followed by another in 2019.
Hengli’s latest deal with Efnav follows a string of recent bulk carrier contracts with Greek owners. Earlier this month, Thanasis Martinos-led Eastern Mediterranean Maritime (Eastmed) was reported to have ordered four kamsarmaxes at the same yard, while Stamatis Tsantanis-led capesize specialist Seanergy has booked one 181,000 dwt unit with options secured for an additional vessel.
