Greek bulker owner DryDel Shipping has moved to deepen its exposure to larger tonnage, signing contracts for two more capesize bulk carriers at Japan’s Namura Shipbuilding.
The latest deals take DryDel’s capesize orderbook to four vessels, all under construction at the Japanese yard. The Athens-based company placed its first-ever capesize order in late 2024, booking a pair of 182,000-dwt ships with deliveries scheduled for 2028.
DryDel confirmed this week that two additional 182,000 dwt capes have been agreed, with the most recent contract signed this year following a third newbuilding deal in July 2025. Delivery of the latest vessel is set for 2029.
The ships will be fitted with scrubbers and Tier III, EEDI Phase 3-compliant engines, reflecting the owner’s focus on fuel efficiency and emissions performance as it grows its fleet.
Chief executive Costas Dellaportas said the orders mark another step in the company’s long-term strategy. “With this addition, 11 dry bulk vessels are currently under construction, all featuring ultra-efficient engines and high performance,” he said, adding that DryDel has continued to back Japanese shipyards “through actions, not just words”.
DryDel entered the capesize segment as part of a broader shift toward larger bulkers, building on a long-standing relationship with Japanese yards. The owner had previously ordered four handysize bulk carriers at Namura and says it has invested more than $800m in 25 newbuilding projects at leading Japanese shipyards since 2019.
