Oshima Shipbuilding is hoping to conclude deals for up to 30 bulk carriers this year as it seeks to fill its shipyard’s docks well into 2023.
The Japanese shipbuilder has traditionally liked to fill up its shipbuilding schedule well in advance, even at times when prices are low.
At a Tokyo press conference Oshima executives said that it has set a 30-ship order target and had already sealed deals for 13 vessels so far this year.
Its kamsarmax design as well as a newly developed 42,000-dwt handysize bulk carrier are among the selection of bulk carrier designs on offer.
Signs of an improvement in the dry bulk trading markets are likely to encourage ordering and help the Japanese yard reach its target.
Brokers estimate newbuilding prices for kamsarmax bulkers to be $28m and $24m for handysize bulk carriers.
Data from broker Clarksons indicates the yard already has 88 vessels amounting to 5.8 million dwt on order. However, well over half of these orders have been credited to “unknown Japanese.”
Other than that Oshima has a long standing commercial relationship with non-Asian owners such as Canada’s Fednav and Oldendorff Carriers.
