Norwegian shipowner J Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi (JL Mowinckels) is taking aim at the ultramax sector with a new order in China.
Chief executive Geir Belsnes told TradeWinds that the company has signed a contract for a 63,500-dwt bulk carrier at Jiangsu Haitong Offshore Engineering.
The eco-design vessel will be delivered in the third quarter of 2025.
The price was not revealed but could be around $33m or $34m, based on earlier orders this year.
Belsnes said the company had not yet decided on employment for the vessel.
JL Mowinckels already has investment interests in two supramax bulkers built in 2011 and 2012.
The company also retains the 20,000-dwt stainless steel tanker Strinda (built 2006), plus a 19,700-dwt eco stainless steel chemical tanker due from Fukuoka Shipbuilding in Japan in the third quarter of 2025.
The new ultramax hull was one of two reportedly contracted at the yard in September, with ownership remaining unknown.
The shipbuilder has 27 bulkers on order currently, with owners such as Franbo Lines, Guohang Ocean and Fujian Shipping among its clients.
TradeWinds reported on Monday that JL Mowinckels was one of a trio of European investors that had moved into the MR tanker sector through a new acquisition project.
Norwegian investment bank Fearnley Securities said it acted as sole arranger for the purchase of the 36,600-dwt former TRF Mobile (built 2016) from Transportation Recovery Fund.
The other buyers were German tanker owner Chemikalien Seetransport and Swedish ropax group UME Shipping.
Belsnes told TradeWinds there are no current plans for expansion with the partners in the Chemtrans Mobile transaction.
JL Mowinckels was established in 1898. It has operated conventional crude tankers and shuttle tankers in the past.
