Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 24, South Korea’s Sammok Shipping and China’s Shanghai Changjiang Shipping have both placed new bulk carrier orders with Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering as part of their fleet expansion plans.

Seoul-based Sammok Shipping has ordered two 63,800 dwt ultramax vessels from the state-owned yard. This marks the first collaboration between the two companies. Shipping databases indicate Sammok currently owns a single ultramax built in 2015.

Shanghai Changjiang Shipping, affiliated with Sinotrans CSC Group and under the China Merchants umbrella, has contracted two 82,000 dwt kamsarmax newbuildings at the same yard.

Delivery schedules for both orders have not been announced. The combined value of the contracts is estimated at approximately $142 million.

Located along the Yangtze River, Nantong Xiangyu has established a strong presence in the ultramax segment and continues to expand its capabilities. Earlier this year, the yard entered the newcastlemax market with an order from Japan’s Doun Kisen.

Additionally, Nantong Xiangyu recently expanded its production capacity by acquiring Jiangsu Hongqiang Ship Heavy Industry, enabling the construction of vessels up to 100,000 dwt.

These new orders highlight the yard’s growing position in the bulk carrier market and its ongoing efforts to diversify its production portfolio.

The contracts reflect both owners’ strategies to enhance their fleets with modern, high-capacity vessels while leveraging Nantong Xiangyu’s expertise and expanded facilities.

Sammok Shipping and Shanghai Changjiang Shipping’s investments underscore continued demand for ultramax and kamsarmax ships in the global dry bulk sector.

The yard’s combination of ultramax experience, recent entry into the newcastlemax segment, and increased production capabilities positions it to meet rising demand efficiently.

These developments are part of broader trends in fleet modernization and capacity expansion in the Asian shipping industry.

Overall, the orders represent significant growth for Nantong Xiangyu and strategic fleet development for both Sammok Shipping and Shanghai Changjiang Shipping.