Taipei-based owner Taiwan Navigation has revealed its fleet enhancement projects to book up to four newbuilding bulkers and install scrubbers on two already in its orderbook.
According to an exchange filing, the Taiwan-listed company’s board approved a proposal to order at most four 80,000-dwt bulkers at Namura Shipbuilding and Oshima Shipbuilding for no more than $136m.
“This is to renew and enlarge our fleet,” the company said.
The deals are still under negotiation and Taiwan Navigation didn’t provide further details in the filing.
Moreover, the two 62,000-dwt bulkers Taiwan Navigation ordered from Oshima in May 2017 will be enlarged to 64,000-dwt units and installed with scrubbers to improve their operational competitiveness, according to a second filing.
Consequently, Taiwan Navigation will be paying the Japanese yard $52.78m for the two vessels, compared with the originally contracted amount of $51m.
Taiwan Navigation didn’t provide information on the delivery dates. According to Clarksons, they are due during the second half of 2019.
The company has four kamsarmax, three panama and 11 handysize bulkers in operation, among other types of vessels, according to its website.
