Kumiai Navigation Expands Fleet with New Bulk Carriers
Kumiai Navigation is poised to enhance its dry bulk fleet with a significant newbuilding order in Japan. The Singapore-based company, part of the Kumiai Senpaku group, has reportedly secured a deal with Kawasaki Heavy Industries for two Newcastlemax bulk carriers, set to be delivered in 2029. While the pricing details remain undisclosed, industry brokers estimate the cost for similar vessels to be around $75 million.
Strategic Growth and Fleet Diversification
This new order marks a pivotal moment for Kumiai Navigation, as it returns to the construction of large bulk carriers after an almost eight-year hiatus. The company currently operates a fleet of 19 vessels, which includes nine Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), two small LPG carriers, and eight bulkers. The addition of these two Newcastlemax vessels will significantly rebalance the company’s portfolio, enhancing its presence in the dry bulk sector alongside its existing gas carrier operations.
The new bulk carriers will be conventionally fueled and equipped with scrubbers, aligning with industry trends towards more environmentally friendly shipping practices. This order is also notable as it represents the second shipbuilding contract announced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries this year, indicating a potential uptick in shipbuilding activity in Japan.
In addition to the Newcastlemax order, Kumiai Navigation is actively expanding its orderbook. The company has ongoing construction of VLGCs at Kawasaki Heavy Industries and an ultramax bulker at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS). This strategic growth reflects Kumiai’s commitment to positioning itself for long-term success in the bulk trades, as it seeks to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the shipping market.
