Greek dry bulk owner Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management is pressing ahead with its fleet renewal drive, returning to China for another round of ultramax newbuildings.
Brokers in Greece report that the Piraeus-based company has ordered four 63,500 dwt ultramaxes at Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. The vessels are understood to be priced at around $33.8m each, with deliveries pencilled in for 2028.
The order extends Atlantic Bulk’s ties with the Yangtze River yard. Earlier this year, the company took delivery of its first trio of Chinese-built ships — Desert Lion, Desert Puma and Desert Leopard — marking its entry into the Chinese newbuilding market.
Atlantic Bulk manages a fleet of roughly 20 modern supramax and ultramax bulkers, and the latest move signals continued investment in younger, fuel-efficient tonnage as shipyard demand stays firm.
Nantong Xiangyu has carved out a strong position in the ultramax segment and is expanding its profile among international owners. The state-owned yard recently booked its first order from South Korea’s Sammok Shipping, and earlier this year entered the newcastlemax sector with a contract from Japan’s Doun Kisen. Its takeover of Jiangsu Hongqiang Ship Heavy Industry has also increased its capacity to build ships up to 100,000 dwt.
