China’s Huarong Financial Leasing has signed up for two newcastlemax bulk carriers at Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding, marking its first newbuilding move in the segment and a rare order for the yard.The leasing company said the 210,000 dwt newbuildings will cost $71m apiece, with delivery likely scheduled for 2029.No information has been released about the potential bareboat charterer behind the newbuildings, but brokers suggest the ships are likely intended for long-term charter to a Chinese or regional commodity trader.The move marks Huarong Leasing’s first bulk carrier order in over a decade. The company is listed with a fleet of about 40 ships, including 11 newcastlemax and capesize units under its leasing portfolio.Earlier this year, Huarong contracted three diesel-electric chemical tankers at Wuhu Shipyard, marking its return to shipbuilding. Its last newbuilding before that was a 2015 project with Seapeak (then Teekay LNG) for a single VLEC at DSIC Offshore.For Taizhou Kouan, the contract signals a step up in scale. The privately owned yard, located in Jiangsu Province, has recently focused on mid-sized vessels, including 3,300 teu containerships, general cargo carriers and stainless-steel chemical tankers.