CHINESE shipping company Ningbo Marine has ordered up to four 64,000 dwt dry bulk with Jiangsu Haitong Offshore Engineering Equipment.

The newbuilding contracts, valued at up to Yuan1.2bn ($160.6m) in total, include two firm vessels with an option for an additional two.

All four ultramaxes are scheduled for delivery within 2027, starting with the first two in August and September.

The two optional ships would follow in November and December if activated.

Shanghai-listed Ningbo Marine said the project optimises its fleet profile with more international capacity. The eco-designed ships also align with emissions reduction goals to further boost the company’s competitiveness.

Founded in October 1950, Ningbo Marine mainly focuses on domestic coastal and Yangtze river transport of general and oil cargo. As of June 2024, It had a fleet of more than 30 vessels totalling about 1.5m dwt.

Meanwhile, Jiangsu Haitong boasts an orderbook of 31 ships of 2.1m dwt, comprising 25 ultramax and six kamsarmax bulkers with deliveries scheduled through 2026.

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