Wealth Shipping, Chipolbrok, Fujian Highton, Carisbrooke: An update on recent fleet and newbuilding developments for international breakbulk and MPP shipping.
Singapore-based Wealth Shipping has reportedly placed another order for new large MPP vessels in China. The shipping company, which belongs to Hong Kong Pusheng Shipping, is said to have ordered two newbuildings, each with a carrying capacity of 62,000 tons, from the Nantong Yahua Shipbuilding Group. Planned delivery: early 2028.
Wealth Shipping is thus diversifying its own fleet portfolio, which currently consists of around 30 freighters. Most recently, the company relied on somewhat smaller ships and 17,400-tonne vessels. The company now wants to be able to offer larger ships for large and complex cargoes.
One shipping company that also relies on relatively large MPP ships is the state-owned Chinese-Polish joint venture Chipolbrok. The last newbuilding in a series of eight 62,000-tonners was launched in February. The shipping company has now taken delivery of newbuildings again, but apparently more for bulk shipping. The 63,500-tonne vessels “Chipol Anshun” and “Chipol Ankang” were taken over in China. They are more in line with the strategy announced some time ago to increasingly serve the bulk market with own vessels in addition to the breakbulk business.
Fujian Highton is another player in the market that has attracted attention with plans for newbuildings. Three 62,000-tonne vessels had already been ordered in January, and now a further order has been placed. The wholly-owned subsidiary Highton International Shipping announced that it had signed a contract with Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding for four multipurpose heavy-lift project carriers of 62,000 tdw each.
For Fujian Highton, this is a further step into the MPP market; until now, the listed shipping company was primarily known for its bulk activities. According to reports, the company is now focusing primarily on project cargo and Chinese plant exports. Delivery is apparently not expected until 2030.
The British shipping company Carisbrooke is active in a much smaller ship segment. It is also working on modernizing its fleet. It has now taken over the “Greta C” from the Dutch shipyard Royal T (formerly known as Thecla Bodewes). It is the 100th newbuild in the history of Carisbrooke. The 7,720-tonner represents “an important step in the continuous renewal of our fleet”, according to a social media post by the British company. With its diesel-electric drive system and advanced energy management, it has been designed for improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and greater operational flexibility in short-haul transport and beyond. Planned area of operation: European waters.
