Sammok and Changjiang Expand Fleets with New Orders
In a significant move to enhance their shipping capabilities, South Korea’s Sammok Shipping and China’s Shanghai Changjiang Shipping have both placed orders with Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for new bulk carriers. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for both companies as they seek to expand their fleets and strengthen their market positions. The total value of these orders is estimated at approximately $142 million.
Sammok Shipping’s First Collaboration with Nantong Xiangyu
Seoul-based Sammok Shipping has made its debut partnership with Nantong Xiangyu by ordering two ultramax bulk carriers, each with a deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 63,800. This order is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first collaboration between the two companies. Currently, Sammok operates a single ultramax vessel, which was built in 2015, according to shipping databases. The new vessels are expected to bolster Sammok’s operational capacity and enhance its competitive edge in the shipping industry.
While the delivery schedules for these new vessels have not been disclosed, the addition of these ultramaxes will allow Sammok to better meet the demands of its clients and expand its service offerings. The strategic decision to partner with Nantong Xiangyu, a yard known for its strong position in the ultramax segment, underscores Sammok’s commitment to growth and modernization in its fleet.
Shanghai Changjiang Shipping’s Kamsarmax Orders
In a parallel development, Shanghai Changjiang Shipping, a subsidiary of the Sinotrans CSC Group under the China Merchants umbrella, has also placed an order with Nantong Xiangyu for two kamsarmax newbuildings, each with a capacity of 82,000 dwt. This order further illustrates the growing demand for bulk carriers in the shipping industry and highlights Changjiang’s strategic efforts to enhance its fleet capabilities.
Nantong Xiangyu has been expanding its production capabilities, recently entering the newcastlemax market with an order from Japan’s Doun Kisen. Additionally, the shipyard has increased its capacity by acquiring Jiangsu Hongqiang Ship Heavy Industry, allowing it to construct vessels of up to 100,000 dwt. This expansion positions Nantong Xiangyu as a key player in the shipbuilding sector, catering to the evolving needs of shipping companies like Sammok and Changjiang.
