Erasmus Shipinvest Group's decision to firm up all eight kamsarmax bulk carriers at China's Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry will add 656,000 deadweight tonnes (dwt) of dry bulk capacity to the global fleet, with deliveries starting in 2028, according to Splash247.
Athens-based Erasmus Shipinvest Group has firmed up four additional kamsarmax bulk carriers at Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry, taking its newbuilding programme at the yard to eight vessels, Splash247 reported. The move confirms all options attached to the original order placed earlier this year and lifts the value of the programme to nearly $300m.
Order Details and Pricing
The John Su-led owner had initially contracted four firm 82,000 dwt units at the Chinese yard, marking a departure from its traditional preference for Japanese shipbuilders. Four options were secured as part of the deal and have now been declared. According to shipbuilding sources cited by Splash247, the original contract price was around $37m per vessel, implying a total investment of roughly $296m for the eight ships. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial order | 4 firm + 4 options |
| Total vessels firmed | 8 |
| Vessel type | Kamsarmax bulk carrier |
| Deadweight per vessel | 82,000 dwt |
| Price per vessel (approx.) | $37m |
| Total investment | ~$296m |
| Delivery start | 2028 |
| Yard | Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry, China |
Erasmus Shipinvest's Fleet Diversification
Founded in 2010, Erasmus has steadily broadened its activities beyond dry bulk shipping in recent years, Splash247 reported. The company has built exposure across multiple shipping sectors, including multipurpose vessels, feeder containerships, LPG carriers, and tankers. Its most recent newbuilding activity has included a series of feeder containership orders ranging from 1,800 TEU to 2,400 TEU at Chinese shipyards, as the owner continues to diversify its fleet portfolio.
Implications for Dry Bulk Shipping
The addition of eight kamsarmax bulkers will increase available dry bulk tonnage on the water by 2028. Kamsarmaxes are a standard size for coal, grain, and minor bulk trades. While the vessels are not scheduled to deliver until 2028, the orderbook expansion signals continued confidence in dry bulk demand from major owners. For charterers and freight forwarders, the coming wave of new capacity could eventually pressure spot rates if demand growth does not keep pace. However, the distant delivery schedule means near-term market balances remain unaffected.
Watch List
- Orderbook activity at Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry for additional bulk carrier contracts.
- Erasmus Shipinvest's further newbuilding contracts across other vessel types, particularly feeder containerships.
- Global dry bulk demand trends through 2028, which will determine how readily the new tonnage is absorbed.
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