Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi is expanding its bulker fleet with an order for another two kamsarmaxes at Japan Marine United (JMU).
A director at the Norwegian owner confirmed the deal and said the 82,000-dwt ships are set for delivery in 2020 — but it is unclear whether the contract includes options.
Broking sources said the newbuildings have a price tag of $33m each.
The vessels are set to join Bulk Trading Group (BTG) — the 50:50 joint-venture company between Bergen-based Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi and US-based JP Morgan's Global Maritime Investment Fund.
BTG currently has a fleet of eight kamsarmax bulkers, all built at yards that are now part of JMU.
'Eco-friendly'
Its first units — built to an "eco-friendly" design — were ordered in January 2013 and delivered in 2015 and 2016 at a price of more than $30m each.
Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi is the commercial and technical manager of the bulkers.
The company was founded by Hans Peter’s father, Kristian Jebsen, who died in 2004. It was subsequently taken over by Hans Peter and his brother, Kristian Jebsen.
In 2012, the siblings split, with Hans Peter taking over Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi and Kristian receiving the controlling 60% stake in open-hatch bulker company Gearbulk.
Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi also controls cement carriers, combination carriers, suezmax and aframax tankers.
