Seacon Shipping has expanded its bulk carrier fleet with a $66m order for two handysize vessels at Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding, according to Splash247. The newbuilds are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2030, adding capacity to the handysize segment at a unit cost of $33m per ship.
Newbuilding Order Details
The two vessels, each approximately 26,700 gt, are equivalent to the yard's 42,200 dwt handysize design designated Tess42, Splash247 reported. The Qingdao-based owner placed the order at Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding, a Chinese yard owned 66% by Japan's Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and 34% by Singapore-listed Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. This marks a return to the yard for Seacon, which previously ordered a 63,300 dwt ultramax in April 2025 for $38.34m, with delivery scheduled for April 2027.
Seacon's Expanding Fleet
Splash247 noted that Seacon's 2025 annual report listed 44 vessels under construction at the end of last year, including 22 bulk carriers. At that time, the company controlled 36 vessels and held investments in another 12 ships. The latest contract adds to one of shipping's larger newbuilding pipelines, reinforcing Seacon's active role across multiple vessel segments.
Vessel Sale Funds Future Acquisitions
Seacon also agreed to sell the 2023-built bulker Seacon Tokyo for $41.6m, Splash247 reported. The transaction is expected to generate a gain of approximately $9.86m, with proceeds earmarked for new vessel acquisitions and general working capital.
Other Recent Dealings
The group has been active across several segments this year, Splash247 said. Recent acquisitions include:
- Two chemical tanker newbuildings for $39.2m
- Four multipurpose ship contracts in a $44.4m deal
- Six ultramax resales worth $198.6m
- Two newcastlemax newbuildings at Qingdao Beihai
| Segment | Number of Vessels | Total Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handysize bulkers (this order) | 2 | $66m | 42,200 dwt each; deliveries 2028, 2030 |
| Ultramax (April 2025 order) | 1 | $38.34m | 63,300 dwt; delivery April 2027 |
| Chemical tanker newbuildings | 2 | $39.2m | — |
| Multipurpose contracts | 4 | $44.4m | — |
| Ultramax resales | 6 | $198.6m | — |
| Newcastlemax newbuildings | 2 | Not disclosed | At Qingdao Beihai |
Implications for Dry Bulk Capacity
For freight forwarders and logistics managers, the addition of handysize tonnage in 2028 and 2030 signals sustained investment in the dry bulk segment by a major mid-sized owner. Seacon's aggressive ordering across handysize, ultramax, and newcastlemax vessels suggests expectations of continued demand for bulk transport, particularly on minor and major routes. The sale of the Seacon Tokyo provides near-term liquidity while the newbuildings will expand the fleet over the medium term.
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