The Greek shipping company Star Bulk Carriers has confirmed the order of three Kamsarmax newbuildings from the Chinese shipbuilder Hengli Shipbuilding.
The Athens-based, Nasdaq-listed bulk carrier signed corresponding novation and modification agreements with Hengli Shipbuilding (Singapore) and Hengli Shipbuilding (Dalian). The approximately 82,000 dwt units are already under construction and are scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2026.
At the beginning of the month, Star Bulk in Greece was linked by industry observers to a larger package that would include four fixed and two optional scrubber-equipped units with similar delivery periods. Prices have not been officially quoted. However, brokers estimate the value per unit at around $36-38 million.
Star Bulk already has five Kamsarmax vessels on order with CMI Qingdao for 2026. According to the shipping company, it controls more than 140 bulk carriers in total, but has increased its sales this year: Over ten Supramaxes and two Kamsarmax units built in 2006 changed hands as part of the ongoing fleet optimization.
CEO Petros Pappas described the new units as having been secured at “attractive prices”. The acquisitions are part of the strategy to opportunistically rejuvenate and modernize the fleet in order to increase efficiency and earnings potential in the long term.
Greek shipowners will continue to dominate the Kamsarmax newbuilding market in 2025, with Hengli Shipbuilding establishing itself as an important point of contact for new orders. In addition to Efnav under the leadership of Filippos Efstathiou, which recently ordered six vessels, Eastmed under Thanasis Martinos and Centrofin Management under Dimitris Procopiou have also significantly expanded their order books at Hengli.
