Star Bulk linked to contract for up to six Kamsarmaxes in China, doubling orderbook

Shipbroking and market sources have linked the prominent US-listed Greek owner to a contract for four firm plus two optional 82,000-dwt vessels at China’s Hengli Shipbuilding, with deliveries scheduled through 2027. Star Bulk has been approached for comment.

Greek shipbroking sources estimate the construction cost of each vessel at about US$35M.

Hengli has been particularly active in recent months, securing multiple contracts across both the bulk carrier and tanker markets. An order identical to Star Bulk’s reported deal was recently placed by Filippos Efstathiou-led Efnav, while Thanasis Martinos-led Eastern Mediterranean Maritime (Eastmed) has also signed a contract for four Kamsarmaxes at the same yard.

Riviera also recently reported that Nikos Savvas-led Cosmoship Management has two vessels under construction, in a deal concluded at the beginning of the year.

According to Xclusiv Shipbrokers’ latest monthly report, the Panamax/Kamsarmax segment now accounts for 61% of the Greek dry bulk orderbook.

Active fleet renewal

Star Bulk already has five Kamsarmaxes on order, with deliveries slated from Q1 to Q3 2026. The dry bulk giant currently operates a fleet of 137 bulk carriers, ranging from 56,000 to 210,000 dwt, according to information published on its website.

The company has also been active in divesting older assets in the secondhand market.

Notably, Petros Pappas-led private owner Oceanbulk was recently linked to a rare order for two 3,100-TEU container vessels at Chinese shipbuilder Zhoushan Changhong.