Hong Kong-based dry bulk owner KC Maritime has placed an order for two 63,500 dwt ultramax bulk carriers at China's Jiangsu Soho Chuangke Shipbuilding, according to Splash247. The shipping arm of the Chellaram Group signed the contract, though no price or delivery dates have been disclosed.
Order Details
The two vessels are 63,500 dwt each, classified as ultramax bulk carriers. This order marks KC Maritime's return to the newbuilding market after a gap since 2022. The shipyard, Jiangsu Soho Chuangke Shipbuilding, is based in China. No financial terms or delivery schedule were provided by the parties.
Company Fleet and History
KC Maritime traces its shipping operations back to 1980 and was established in its present form in 1999. According to the company's website, it currently operates a conventional dry bulk fleet consisting of four kamsarmaxes and eight ultramax and supramax vessels. The company's last newbuilding order was in 2022, when it booked two 63,600 dwt ultramaxes at Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Zhoushan. Those ships were delivered as the Darya Radhe in 2023 and Darya Rani in 2024.
Previous Newbuilding Activity
The 2022 order from Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Zhoushan was for two 63,600 dwt units, very close in size to the current order. The delivery of Darya Radhe (2023) and Darya Rani (2024) brought the fleet's ultramax count to its current level. With the new order, KC Maritime will add two more ultramaxes.
| Vessel Type | Number | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kamsarmax | 4 | Currently in fleet |
| Ultramax/Supramax | 8 | Currently in fleet |
| New order (ultramax) | 2 | 63,500 dwt each, ordered at Jiangsu Soho Chuangke Shipbuilding |
| Previous order (ultramax) | 2 | 63,600 dwt, from Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Zhoushan, delivered as Darya Radhe (2023) and Darya Rani (2024) |
Implications for Dry Bulk Capacity
This order adds to the global ultramax orderbook. For shippers and operators, incremental tonnage in the dry bulk segment can influence freight rate dynamics, though the specific impact depends on delivery timing and market demand at that point. KC Maritime's fleet expansion strategy, with periodic orders every few years, indicates a measured approach to growth. The company did not disclose whether these vessels are for own operation or chartering purposes. The newbuilds will bring KC Maritime's total ultramax/supramax count to ten (including the eight currently in fleet and the two new orders), plus four kamsarmaxes, increasing its overall carrying capacity.
Sources:
