China Navigation orders four more eco handysize dry bulk carriers

The China Navigation Company, or CNCo, said that it has placed an order for four 39,000-dwt B.Delta37 eco handysize dry bulk carriers to be built at the Zhejiang Ouhua Shipbuilding facility at Zhoushan.

Shanghai-headquartered CNCo is the shipping arm of the Swire Group. The order takes CNCo's fleet to 20 including 16 orders at China's Chengxi Shipyard. CNCo confirmed its latest order with Chengxi for four vessels on September 30. This followed the successful completion of the trials of MV Wuchang on September 29, the first sea trial of B.Delta37 eco handysize vessels, CNCo had said in a statement on October 11.

MV Wuchang is scheduled to deliver from Chengxi at the end of October, CNCo added.

All 20 vessels will be deployed in CNCo's dry bulk division, Swire Bulk, and will operate on a worldwide basis.

These handysize dry bulk carriers will have an ultra-modern eco design, with innovative features to boost performance and cut fuel consumption. Such vessels can curb wind and wave resistance, shipping experts said earlier.

The vessels are designed to carry bulk cargoes including grain, coal, concentrate, steel coils and slabs.
Source: Platts