en.Wedoany.com Reported - Greek shipping group Erasmus Shipinvest has doubled its order for Kamsarmax bulk carriers at Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry from an initial four to eight vessels. This move follows the company's recent formal confirmation of all optional vessels, bringing the total investment in the project to nearly $300 million.

The four additional vessels stem from a "4+4" contract for 82,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) Kamsarmax bulk carriers signed in March 2026. According to shipping sources and shipbroker estimates, the unit price is approximately $37 million, bringing the total investment for the eight vessels to around $296 million (approximately RMB 2 billion). The entire fleet is scheduled for phased delivery between 2028 and 2029.

This order marks a significant shift in the shipowner's newbuilding strategy. Since its founding in 2010, Erasmus Shipinvest's newbuilding orders have been concentrated at Japanese shipyards. Choosing New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry represents its first order placed with a Chinese shipyard.

Analysts believe this investment is a key step for Erasmus Shipinvest in advancing its fleet renewal. Currently, approximately 50% of the company's operating Kamsarmax bulk carriers are over 15 years old, creating an urgent need for new tonnage. According to Clarksons data, the shipowner currently operates six bulk carriers with deadweight tonnage ranging from 76,000 to 95,400 DWT.

Erasmus Shipinvest's business portfolio has been expanding in recent years, gradually extending from dry bulk shipping to multipurpose vessels, feeder container ships, LPG carriers, and tankers. Since March 2026, the company has ordered a total of 16+6 new vessels from Chinese shipyards. In addition to the eight confirmed bulk carriers, these orders include 4+4 1,800 TEU feeder container ships at Huangpu Wenchong, 4+2 2,400 TEU feeder container ships at Sanfu Shipyard, and a recent additional order of 2+2 1,800 TEU container ships at Huangpu Wenchong.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com