Connecticut-based Eagle Bulk Shipping remains on target to take delivery of all six scrubber-fitted ultramax bulkers acquired in a July deal with two separate sellers by the 1 January IMO 2020 implementation deadline.

Eagle last week took delivery of the fourth unit acquired from the fleet of Nautical Bulk Holdings, to be renamed Santos Eagle. It has previously seen delivery of three bulkers now called Copenhagen Eagle, Dublin Eagle and Sydney Eagle.

The 63,500-dwt vessels were all built in 2015 and came fitted with exhaust gas cleaning devices, or scrubbers. They were previously known as Nautical Elisabeth, Nautical Jennifer, Nautical Sif and Nautical Marie.

Two more vessels of the same spec, both built in 2016 by a seller yet to be identified, were also included in July’s $122m deal.

While they are being retrofitted with scrubbers, delivery is still expected to take place within the fourth quarter, Eagle said this week.

“Taking into consideration these four modern ultramax sisterships, we have now acquired a total of 18 ultramaxes in six separate transactions,” said Eagle chief executive Gary Vogel this week, noting the two ultramaxes still to deliver.

“We believe our methodical approach to buying, along with the divestiture of 14 of our older and less efficient vessels, has transformed the Eagle fleet at an opportune time in the cycle, where the average age has decreased and the size, makeup and efficiency of our ships have demonstrably improved.”

Eagle has been a major adopter of scrubber technology even though it operates ultramaxes, which some consider too small to reap the full benefits of fuel-cost savings. Most dry owners to have fitted the cleaning kits operate capesizes.

Eagle said in a September update that it targeted 38 units to have scrubbers fitted by 1 January, with three more installed within the first quarter. Eagle has given no indication of changes in that schedule.

When the further two ultramaxes are delivered, Eagle will have 50 ships on the water.