Kamsarmax specialist Iolcos linked to newbuilding return with deal in China

The Greek shipowner has been linked with a contract at New Dayang Shipbuilding for the construction of two 82,000-dwt vessels, with deliveries scheduled for 2029.

Shipbroking and market sources indicate that the order was placed earlier this year but has only recently surfaced in shipping data platforms.

Iolcos, which has been approached for comment, currently oversees a fleet of 18 bulk carriers across the Panamax, Kamsarmax, and Post-Panamax segments, with vessels built between 2006 and 2023.

The company’s most recent newbuilding programme was completed in 2023, with the delivery of three Kamsarmax vessels from COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou).

Since its establishment in 1982, Iolcos has managed more than 50 bulk carriers of various sizes, representing a combined deadweight of around 3.7M dwt.

Greek owners have made a notable return to the dry bulk newbuilding market in 2026, securing contracts for Newcastlemax, Capesize, and Kamsarmax vessels.

According to Xclusiv Shipbrokers, Greek interests have placed orders for 13 Kamsarmax vessels so far this year, with total dry bulk newbuilding investment estimated at around US$2Bn.

Among recent deals, Evangelos Marinakis-led Capital Group and Aristides Pittas-led Eurodry/Eurobulk have contracted Hengli Heavy Industries for new tonnage.

Kamsarmax vessels remain the preferred choice for Greek owners in the dry bulk segment, accounting for nearly 50% of the current orderbook in this category, according to Xclusiv Shipbrokers data.

The global orderbook-to-fleet ratio currently stands at just over 13% in dwt terms.