Turkish shipping company Aqmaris Gemi has placed orders for new Ultramax bulk carriers to be built by two Chinese shipyards.
Aqmaris has exercised options for two 64,500DWT vessels to be built by Wuhu Shipyard for delivery in the first quarter of 2029. These ships will be in addition to two firm vessels ordered by Aqmaris from the same builder earlier this year and scheduled for delivery in 2028.
Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering has meanwhile been selected for the construction of eight 64,000DWT vessels. Four ships are scheduled for delivery in 2028 while the remaining four will follow between January and September 2029.
No contract figures have been provided, though brokers have estimated that each of the 12 newbuildings would cost approximately US$35 million.
The bulk carriers to be built by Wuhu Shipyard will be capable of satifying IMO Tier III and EEDI Phase III requirements. The ships will also have shore power connection facilities and will be able to accommodate battery integration.
Aqmaris, which was established less than a year ago, currently operates only two vessels.
