COSCO Shipping Bulk Orders Four Newcastlemax Bulk Carriers at CSSC Qingdao Beihai

COSCO Shipping Bulk has signed a contract to build four Newcastlemax bulk carriers at CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, further advancing its strategy of expanding its large-capacity fleet to meet growing dry bulk shipping demand and support the maritime industry's energy transition.

The contract was signed with the participation of China Shipbuilding Trading and ICBC Financial Leasing. Neither the contract value nor the delivery schedule has been disclosed. However, according to shipbuilding industry sources, the four vessels are expected to be delivered in 2029.

Designed for the Energy Transition

According to COSCO Shipping Bulk, the new vessels will each have a deadweight capacity of 210,000 DWT and feature a fuel-ready design, enabling future conversion to methanol or ammonia as marine fuel.

This design aligns with the shipping industry's decarbonization efforts and the increasingly stringent environmental regulations expected in the coming years.

Further Expanding the Newcastlemax Fleet

This marks the second Newcastlemax shipbuilding order that COSCO Shipping Bulk has placed with CSSC Qingdao Beihai since the beginning of the year.

Earlier in January, the company ordered three Newcastlemax vessels, which are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2029.

Those vessels feature a versatile design capable of carrying containers, dry bulk cargo, and general cargo.

In addition, COSCO Shipping Bulk is currently constructing two 209,800 DWT bulk carriers at the same shipyard, with deliveries expected in 2027.

Part of COSCO's Broader Fleet Investment Strategy

The latest order forms part of COSCO Group's broader investment program to expand its dry bulk fleet.

Earlier this month, COSCO Shipping Development also announced an investment of RMB 8.66 billion (approximately USD 1.27 billion) to build 24 bulk carriers. Upon completion, the vessels will be leased to a COSCO Shipping Bulk affiliate under long-term charter agreements with terms of up to 20 years.

See more:

• MSC Introduces Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for North Europe–North America Trade
• COSCO SHIPPING Launches CHX3 Service to Strengthen Peru–Costa Rica Connectivity
• Commercial Vessel Traffic Through the Strait of Hormuz Falls to Its Lowest Level Since May
• Maersk Introduces Low Water Surcharge (LWC) on Europe–Canada Trade
• Maersk Adjusts Fuel Surcharges for Inland Transport Services Across Multiple European Markets
• COSCO schedules: Vietnam - North America in Jul 2026
• SITC updates Vietnam-Intra Asia sailing schedules in Jul 2026
• SHOW INTRODUCTION THE 4TH VIET NAM INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS EXHIBITION (VILOG 2026)

Source: Phaata.com (According to Splash247)

► Find Better Freight Rates & Logistics Service Providers!