Kumiai Navigation orders ultramax at NACKS
Kumiai Navigation Expands Fleet with New Dry Bulk Order
\Kumiai Navigation, a subsidiary of Japan’s Kumiai Senpaku, is set to enhance its dry bulk fleet with a significant order. The Singapore-based company has placed an order for an ultramax vessel at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) in China for approximately $35 million. This new addition is expected to be delivered by the second quarter of 2028, marking a strategic move in the competitive shipping industry.
Details of the Newbuilding Order
The latest order from Kumiai Navigation focuses on a 64,000 dwt ultramax vessel, which is part of a broader strategy to expand its operational capabilities. This newbuilding will join an existing fleet that currently includes eight very large gas carriers (VLGCs), two small LPG carriers, and nine bulk carriers, showcasing the company’s diverse shipping portfolio.
Notably, Kumiai Navigation has also increased its newbuilding pipeline, which now features a total of four ships. Among these, three additional VLGCs are slated for delivery from Kawasaki Heavy Industries between 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2026. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to growth and modernization in response to evolving market demands.
The trend of securing ultramax newbuilds is not unique to Kumiai Navigation. Other players in the dry bulk sector are making similar moves. For example, Jhonlin Marine Transport of Indonesia has recently booked eight ultramax vessels at Japan’s Oshima Shipyard, while Singapore-based Adhart Shipping has contracted four units at New Dayang in China. This competitive landscape indicates a robust interest in expanding dry bulk fleets, reflecting optimism about future market conditions.
