Busy newbuild player Safe Bulkers strikes again with Kamsarmax pair in China

The US-listed owner disclosed it has entered into an agreement to acquire two 82,500-dwt Chinese Kamsarmax bulk carriers, with deliveries scheduled through the first quarter of 2029.

“We have placed these newbuild orders consistent with our fleet renewal strategy, aiming to increase the competitiveness and resilience of the company and to operate one of the most modern and environmentally efficient dry bulk fleets in the market,” said Safe Bulkers president Loukas Barmparis.

The company noted that the newbuilds are designed to meet the Phase 3 requirements of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as adopted by the International Maritime Organization, and comply with the latest NOx emissions regulations.

According to the disclosure, the vessels are sister ships to existing units in the fleet, featuring advanced energy efficiency characteristics that result in lower fuel consumption. Safe Bulkers has already taken delivery of 82,500-dwt Kamsarmaxes from China’s COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou) Co over the past two years.

As part of its broader newbuilding programme, the owner has received 12 IMO GHG Phase 3 – NOx Tier III vessels in recent years, and now has an outstanding orderbook of eight units, scheduled to join the fleet through 2029. Safe Bulkers’ active fleet currently spans 45 bulk carriers.

Notably, Polys V Hajioannou was appointed last October as president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, succeeding Andreas Hadjiyiannis.

Separately, Safe Bulkers’ private affiliate, Safety Management Overseas, placed a rare order for two 50,000-dwt MR tankers at COSCO Guangdong, with deliveries set through 2027.