China Merchants Group's shipping arm, Shanghai Changjiang Shipping, has ordered two 82,000 dwt kamsarmax bulk carriers from Jiangsu Haitong Offshore Engineering Equipment, according to Splash247. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028, adding to a broader fleet renewal programme that will gradually increase the availability of modern, compliant bulk carriers on key dry bulk trade lanes.
Newbuild Order Details
Shanghai Changjiang Shipping, a unit under the China Merchants Group umbrella, confirmed the order in a social media post describing the contract as its “second batch of 82,000 dwt bulk carriers for both domestic and international trade”.
Financial terms were not disclosed by the company, but current market estimates place Chinese-built kamsarmax newbuilding prices at around $37m to $38m per vessel, suggesting the contract could be worth about $75m, according to Splash247.
The ships will be built to the latest 82,000 dwt design developed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI), featuring standard seven cargo holds and compliance with the latest environmental regulations.
| Yard | Vessel Type | DWT | Quantity | Delivery | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiangsu Haitong Offshore Engineering Equipment | Kamsarmax bulk carrier | 82,000 | 2 | 2028 | ~$75m (based on ~$37-38m each) |
| Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering | Kamsarmax bulk carrier | 82,000 | 2 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Fleet Renewal Programme
The latest deal follows Shanghai Changjiang Shipping’s earlier move into the kamsarmax segment. Last year, the company selected Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for a pair of kamsarmax newbuildings, with Jiangsu Haitong also participating in the tender process. Delivery dates and contract values for those vessels were not disclosed.
The order adds to a broader fleet renewal programme underway at companies within the China Merchants Group. Earlier this year, the company also signed for two 20,000 dwt LNG-powered bulk carriers at Jiangxi New Jiangzhou Shipbuilding Heavy Industry for operation on Yangtze River routes.
Implications for Bulk Shipping
For operators and shippers in the dry bulk market, these orders signal a continued investment in modern, fuel-efficient tonnage by one of China's largest state-owned shipping groups. The addition of two kamsarmaxes in 2028, together with the earlier pair from Nantong Xiangyu, will provide Shanghai Changjiang Shipping with increased capacity on both domestic and international trade lanes. The vessels' compliance with latest environmental regulations is likely to offer operational efficiencies and potentially lower emissions, aligning with industry decarbonisation trends. While no freight rate or port congestion data is available from the source, the fleet renewal indicates a long-term commitment to the dry bulk segment by China Merchants Group.
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