Greek shipowner W Marine has placed an order for three ultramax bulk carriers at China's Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry, expanding its newbuilding pipeline and marking its first newbuild venture into the ultramax segment. The vessels, with hull numbers DJHC6601, DJHC6602, and DJHC6603, are 64,500 dwt each and scheduled for delivery in May, August, and November 2028, according to Splash247. No price was disclosed.
Newbuild Order Details
Splash247 reported that the ships were first disclosed in May through an exchange filing by Dajin's listed parent company. The filing named Anhui Guomao Haichang Trading as the contractual export counterparty but did not identify the ultimate owner. The trio expands W Marine's remaining newbuilding pipeline to five vessels. The Athens-based company, controlled by Yiannis Sarantitis, also has two 1,800 TEU feeder containerships on order at Huanghai Shipbuilding, scheduled for delivery in 2028.
Expansion Across Segments
W Marine recently took delivery of the 82,000 dwt kamsarmaxes W-Malvina and W-Mary from Chengxi Shipyard. According to Splash247, those two vessels were priced at a reported $72 million and marked the owner's return to the newbuilding market after an absence of nearly 20 years, as reported in 2024. The Dajin deal gives W Marine its first ultramax newbuildings, although the company has previously operated in the ultramax segment through secondhand tonnage, the source noted.
Implications for Dry Bulk Market
| Vessel Type | Size (dwt) | Quantity | Shipyard | Delivery Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultramax bulk carrier | 64,500 | 3 | Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry | 2028 |
| Kamsarmax bulk carrier | 82,000 | 2 (delivered) | Chengxi Shipyard | 2026 |
| Feeder containership | 1,800 TEU | 2 | Huanghai Shipbuilding | 2028 |
For logistics professionals monitoring dry bulk capacity, this order indicates a gradual fleet expansion by a Greek owner. While no specific trade routes were disclosed, ultramaxes are commonly deployed on minor bulk and grain trades, while kamsarmaxes serve major coal and iron ore routes. The feeder containerships will add container capacity on regional routes. With deliveries spread across 2028, shippers should anticipate incremental supply growth in both dry bulk and shortsea container segments, though the impact on freight rates will depend on broader market demand at that time.
Watch list: Upcoming deliveries of the two 1,800 TEU feeders from Huanghai Shipbuilding in 2028 and potential further newbuilding orders from W Marine as it continues its fleet renewal programme.
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