Taiwanese liner group Yang Ming has returned to the newbuilding market through its bulk shipping arm Kuang Ming Shipping, placing orders for four ultramax bulk carriers in Japan.
According to a stock exchange filing, the contracts carry a combined value of between NT$4.9bn and NT$5.4bn (about $155m–$171m), signalling longer-term confidence in dry bulk demand.
The order covers two ultramaxes at Nihon Shipyard and Imabari Shipbuilding, priced at around NT$1.2bn to NT$1.4bn each, and another two ultramaxes booked at Oshima Shipbuilding in partnership with Sumisho Marine, at similar price levels. Delivery dates were not disclosed.
Kuang Ming currently operates a fleet of 11 bulk carriers, including 10 owned vessels ranging from ultramax to kamsarmax size, alongside a long-term chartered capesize.
Founded in 1990, Kuang Ming initially acted as a booking agent supporting Yang Ming’s container operations. The company entered dry bulk shipping in 2008 as part of the group’s diversification push.
The latest order marks Kuang Ming’s first newbuilding move in nearly a decade. Its previous campaign saw four ultramaxes ordered at Iwagi Zosen between 2014 and 2015, with deliveries completed between 2016 and 2018.
