Greek shipowner Oceanbulk has placed an order for three 82,000 deadweight ton Kamsarmax bulk carriers at Hengli Heavy Industry.
It is reported that these three new vessel orders are part of a contract for 10 Kamsarmax bulk carriers signed in early November between Hengli Heavy Industry and three well-known European shipowners. The ships are scheduled for delivery in 2027, with each new vessel costing approximately $35 million, resulting in a total transaction value of about $105 million (approximately RMB 746 million).
For reference, data from Clarksons shows that the current newbuilding price for an 82,000-84,000 deadweight ton Kamsarmax bulk carrier is approximately $36.25 million (around RMB 258 million), a 3% decrease compared to $37.5 million during the same period last year.
The Kamsarmax bulk carriers contracted this time are one of the main vessel types built by Hengli Heavy Industry. They feature significant characteristics such as “green, environmental protection, energy saving, and safety,” and are mainstream bulk carrier types in the deep-sea shipping market. They meet the International Maritime Organization’s most stringent emission requirements, with all performance indicators reaching internationally advanced levels. Thanks to their cargo capacity, efficient operation, and advanced environmental technology, this vessel type is highly favored by global shipping clients.
Previously, Hengli Heavy Industry disclosed in early November that it had secured orders for 10 Kamsarmax bulk carriers. Although Hengli Heavy Industry did not reveal the shipowners’ information, it is reported that besides the order from Oceanbulk, three vessels were ordered by Star Bulk Carriers. Star Bulk has recently confirmed the acquisition of three Kamsarmax bulk carrier resale vessels from Hengli Heavy Industry, expected to be delivered around the third quarter of 2026.
The recent consecutive signings not only demonstrate the high level of trust European shipowners have in Hengli Heavy Industry but also highlight the company’s strong competitiveness in the international shipbuilding sector. According to Clarksons’ data, Hengli Heavy Industry’s current orderbook for Kamsarmax bulk carriers has reached 62 vessels, ranking first globally.
It is understood that Hengli Heavy Industry’s predecessor, STX Dalian, was once the largest foreign-invested shipyard in China, possessing the largest single shipyard in Northern China. In 2022, responding to the national call, the Hengli Group established Hengli Heavy Industry Group, investing RMB 2.11 billion to acquire the assets of the former STX Dalian, which had been idle for ten years, aiming to build a world-class high-end shipbuilding base. In January 2023, the first phase of Hengli Heavy Industry, the “Ocean Factory,” achieved full operation in just 150 days. The second-phase project—the “Future Factory”—commenced production within five months in January of this year. In September of this year, the Hengli Heavy Industry Cooperation Innovation and Offshore Engineering Technology Industrial Park commenced construction in Changxing Island, Dalian.
As of now, Hengli Heavy Industry has commenced construction on over 60 vessels, with an orderbook of approximately 170 vessels scheduled for production until 2029. Once all of Hengli Heavy Industry’s series projects reach full production capacity, the company will be capable of building over 150 ultra-large vessels annually, producing 180 marine engines (including G95 main engines and models below), and achieving full coverage of LNG, LPG, methanol, and ammonia dual-fuel technologies. It is set to become the world’s largest single-site shipbuilding base with the most comprehensive supporting facilities.
