Polsteam books up to six lakes fitted bulkers at Yangzijiang

The shipbuilding contract includes four firm plus two option of 36,500 dwt lakes fitted bulk carriers due for delivery throughout 2016 and the options in 2017 if declared, Polsteam announced on Monday.

The newbuildings, each costing around $25m, will be designed for sailing on the Great Lakes of America. They will also be Yangzijiang’s first ever lakes fitted bulker order.

Polsteam currently has 12 new 39,000 dwt bulk carriers under construction at Zhoushan-based Yangfan Group, with the first newbuilding set to enter operation in November this year.

The new orders are part of Polsteam’s fleet replacement and investment programme for the years from 2015 to 2020, the company said.

Privately-owned Chinese shipbuilder Yangzijiang, on the other hand, has finished the year 2014 on a strong note with an orderbook of 41 vessels worth $1.8bn.

Ren Yuanlin, executive chairman of Yangzijiang, had earlier said that the group is now focusing on the construction of larger containerships of 10,000 teu and above.